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First Aid Checklist

Since the weather has cooled significantly, many of us will be headed outdoors to hike, ski, bike and be active. If you’re planning on doing any of these activities this winter you should always be prepared with a first-aid kit in tow. Here is a checklist of items you may need in your kit.

Basic Care

  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Butterfly bandages (for closing wounds)
  • Gauze and gauze pads
  • Medical adhesive tape
  • Blister treatment
  • Pain medication
  • Insect sting relief
  • Antihistamine (for allergic reactions)
  • Fine point tweezers
  • Safety pins
  • First-aid manual

Wraps, Splints and Wound Coverings

  • Elastic Wrap
  • Finger Splints
  • SAM Splints
  • Hydrogel pads
  • Cleaning pads
  • Hemostatic Gauze (to stop bleeding)
  • Liquid bandage

Medications and Treatments

  • Hand sanitizer (BKZ- or alcohol-based)
  • Aloe vera gel (sun exposure relief)
  • Aspirin (primarily for response to a heart attack)
  • Antacid tablets
  • Throat lozenges
  • Lubricating eye drops
  • Loperamide tablets (for diarrhea symptoms)
  • Poison ivy / poison oak treatment
  • Insect sting relief treatment
  • Glucose or other sugar to treat hypoglycemia
  • Oral rehydration salts
  • Antifungal foot powder
  • Antibiotics
  • Injectable epinephrine to treat allergic reactions

Supplies

  • Knife
  • Blunt-tip scissors
  • Safety razor blade
  • Cotton-tipped swabs
  • Standard oral thermometer
  • Low-reading (hypothermia) thermometer
  • Magnifying glass
  • Small mirror
  • Medical / surgical gloves
  • CPR mask
  • Steel sewing needle with heavy-duty thread
  • Needle-nose pliers with wire cutter
  • Duct tape (small roll)
  • Not
  • Medical waste bag
  • Waterproof container to hold supplies and meds
  • Emergency heat-reflecting blanket
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Whistle
  • Personal locator beacon
  • Satellite messenger

Personal Care

  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Insect repellent (plus headnet, if needed)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Water-treatment chemicals
  • Collapsible water sink or basin

Outdoor conditions can be wildly unpredictable. You can think you’re prepared until the absolute worst happens. Hopefully, this checklist will prepare you to take action and make the best of any situation.

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