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FIRSTA.KIT
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1993-02-14
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Hi,
I don't know what the Sierra Club recommends, but a GOOD
first-aid kit is essential. I am an experienced hiker/backpacker
and have been an EMT for several years. Although you cannot
carry emergency gear for every foreseeable injury, it is
imperative you have basic supplies and the knowledge to go along
with them. I carry a good first-aid kit on every hike I go on -
a basic one for day hikes and a more complete one for extended
journeys.
Injuries are never expected, and can occur even on the
mildest trail...You are hiking a trail well known to you with
little equipment, you slip on a short climb over some sharp
rocks...seconds later you are laying on your back with a
fractured tibia (larger lower-leg bone) and blood is pouring out
of the wound that the bone made as it punctured your skin!
Graphic yes, but it could happen to you. I recommend the
following to you:
A basic kit (take on EVERY outing):
Drugs:
Aspirin or ibuprofen (Tylenol if allergic to aspirin) 20 or more
Antidiarrheal (e.g. Lomotil, Rx required) 10 or more
Antihistamine (e.g. Benadryl 25mg, OTC) 10 or more
Bee Sting Kit (if you are allergic, Rx required) 1 syringe
Wound antiseptic, 10 Betadine or alcohol swabs
Personal medications
Sunscreen w/PABA
Contact lens case, and saline (if needed)
Snake bite kit (if in snake area)
Bandages and Dressings:
3 - 5 x 9 dressings
10 - 3 x 3 gauze pads
1 - 2" Kling bandage
1 - 4" Kerlix bandage
12 - Band-aids, 1"
2 - eye pads
1 - roll Adhesive tape, 2"
1 or 2 - ACE type bandages, 4"
2 - Triangular bandages (cravats)
Moleskin
Equipment:
1 - disposable cold pack
1 - disposable scalpel w/ #15 blade
1 - good quality pointed forceps (tweezers)
1 - pair paramedic shears
1 - pair good surgical scissors, 4" blunt/sharp
3 - plastic oral airways, sm., med., lrg.
1 - First aid book (if untrained)
All of the above equipment is available at or through most
drugstores. If you have difficulty finding any of the equipment,
a physician/hospital supply store should have it as well as most
items below. Most doctors are happy to write prescriptions for
drugs if you explain what you want them for...truly preventative
medicine. All the above items fit within a 4" x 8" stuff sack
and weigh around a pound total (I don't carry sunscreen, contact
lens stuff, or snake bite kit.
Add these items for longer outings:
Drugs:
Strong analgesic: (e.g. codeine #3 or meperidine 50mg tablets)
Antibiotics: (a penicillin and/or a tetracycline and/or an
aminoglycoside)
An antacid (e.g. Riopan tablets)
Container of antiseptic
Larger amounts of drugs above
Other drugs as needed
Bandages and dressings:
8 x 10 dressings
Vaseline impregnated dressing
More of above dressings/bandages
Equipment:
Inflatable splints (at least one full leg splint)
Consider stethoscope and blood pressure cuff if in remote area
The basic kit is for all trips. The additional equipment is
for longer excursions (more than 3 nights). Even more equipment
is necessary if you will be in an area where medical care will be
delayed for several days. If anyone wants a more comprehensive
list, I will be happy to comply.
A first aid manual is no substitute for proper training.
First aid courses are offered by the American Red Cross in every
state as are EMT courses. Everyone should have basic first-aid
training as well as CPR training, but especially those who spend
a lot of time in the outdoors, away from medical care.
If anyone has specific questions about emergency care (on or
off trail) or wants specific equipment recommendations, feel free
to write. I'm going to try to continually upload files on
pertinent trail safety/first-aid topics in the future (e.g.
hypothermia, sprains/fractures, etc.)
Who am I? My name is Gary Ross. I am a biologist in
Vermont, and have hiked extensively in New York, Vermont,
Trinidad and Tobago, and Alaska. I am an EMT-D (that's an
emergency medical technician - defibrillation) and run with a
rescue squad that covers a rural area in Vermont. I have a
special interest in wilderness emergency care (both people and
animals) and in search and rescue.
P.S. Empty film containers make excellent, waterproof containers
for medications and other items. Make sure you label the
contents clearly in waterproof ink on the lid and make sure it is
sealed well.
Gary Ross, EMT-D
73317,3317`fw√p