FIRST AID BUSHWALKING KIT: (January, 2015)
The following is a guide only of what to include in your personal First Aid kit. You will need to adapt this list depending upon pre-existing illnesses, weight restrictions, region, degree of remoteness and duration of your trip. Travel organized by a commercial company may provide First Aid items. For legal reasons they will not provide medications.
Discuss your medical requirements with your Doctor before leaving for an extended trip.
Possible Injuries Include: Bleeds, Bums, Eye Injuries, Sprains, Fractures ,Bites & Stings, Falls/Concussion, Shock
Essential Items |
Use |
|
Bandaids (x5), [Opsite, Tegaderm] |
Small wound [waterproof] |
|
Combine dressing (xl) |
Serious bleed |
|
Non stick dresssing (xl) |
Bleed or burn |
|
Gauze (xl, pkt of3) |
To clean a wound |
|
Crepe bandage 7.5/10cm (xl) |
Sprain, snake bite or secure a bleed dressing |
|
Triangular bandage (xl) Sling, |
immobilize legs, cover large wound |
|
Gloves (xl pr.) Hygiene |
Scissors, tweezers, splinter probe, Micropore tape, whistle, First Aid notes |
Optional Extras:(share with a friend)
- Antiseptic pad (x3) / cream (clean water is an option)
- Alcohol swab (x3) (clean instruments)
- Steristrips (xl pkt) for "stitching" a deep wound
- Eye wash, eye bath, eye pad (xl)
- Space / Emergency blanket (shock or hypothermia) First Aid notes, note pad& pencil Resuscitation shield, Ear Plugs (in case of nearby snorers!)
- Chux and plastic bag (cleaning up)
- Jelly beans or lollies (diabetics)
- Salt -for preparing an eye wash, leech bite (or matches if safe to do so)
- Tape for strapping eg Elastoplast, or specific support bandages eg tubigrip
- Suntan cream.
- Sore throat lozenges.
- Insect repellent (DEET) egRid
- Ice Pack -disposable (but weighty), use ice in freezer at fixed camp site
- I.C.E. keyed into your mobile phone (In Case of Emergency details)
Possible Medications:
- Anti headache -Panadol / Herron / Aspirin / Neurofen
- Antihistamine-allergy, itches, travel sickness-Teldane/Telfast/Avril Antivomit / diarrhoea -ego Imodium;
- Antibiotic -infections
- Anti-inflammatory -for muscle swelling & redness eg Voltaren
- Medications: Heart, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, specific allergy medication, sleeping pills.
Discuss all options with your Doctor.
Leaders should carry more than the basics in their First Aid kit. They should consider including a current list of club member's details with phone numbers of next of kin. Also include mobile phone, note pad & pencil, extra bandaids & gloves, space blanket, splinter probe, eye bath, plastic bag (rubbish), resusc. Shield and a pocket knife.
Don't Forget Standard Club Protocol:
Keep your personal details in a waterproof pouch in an outside pocket of your back pack.
Include personal medications, treating doctor details for serious ailments, and next of kin.
Inform your walk leader of pre-existing ailments too.
Elvie McInerney. First Aid Trainer -26 years. Mast.Sci, Dipl.Educ. Certif IV in Wkol.Assess & Traininz.
Also see 'A Nurses Guide to Outdoor First Aid'
Our thanks to Elijah and the Bay Minette Scout Troop for their feedback and suggestions