Pack a Field First Aid Kit

Field first aid is a very valuable skill to have when going on an extended hike or camping trip. Knowing how to identify and avoid hazards, and treat injuries in the field can even save a life. The American Red Cross offers CPR and First Aid classes in most communities. Check with your local fire company to see when their next CPR re-certification / first aid class is scheduled. You may be able to take the class with them. If not, check out the Red Cross first aid & CPR course schedule in your community using your zip code.

Many of the hazards that harm the most hikers and campers can be greatly reduced and even avoided altogether. Therefore, one of the best field first aid measures is an ounce of prevention. Know the area that you’re going to hike and look up the potential hazards and weather information. Be prepared for all of the elements you’ll encounter. Here are some tips to keep your first aid kit unused (preferred)!:

• If the hiking trail is in the sun, wear sunscreen. Pack a small bottle of it for extended hikes. Sunburn is no fun and can become a serious injury during extended exposure.
• Blisters are usually the number one complaint on long hikes. Wear comfortable shoes and socks and try to use something like BodyGlide or Vaseline on your heels and toes to prevent blisters. No matter what, I would pack some moleskin in your field first aid kit…just in case.
• Some climates can be very hot during the day and very cool at night. Make sure that you have the right clothing and sleeping bag to keep you warm at night. A foil emergency blanket is a good lightweight addition to a field first aid kit to keep you warm if your stuff gets wet from rain or river-crossings.
• Find out what dangers exist from the local ranger or park service employees. Your hike may be during a time when bees, ticks, or other critters are active. Make sure that you plan accordingly.

And no matter how well you plan, chances are that you’ll encounter something that you didn’t plan on. Taking a field first aid course can teach you about treating for shock, hypothermia, broken bones, and open wounds. Below is a brief list of minor injuries that you can prepare to handle with a small first aid kit:

• Cuts: As with any cut, you want to be careful to keep the area of the wound clean to avoid possible infection. The addition of iodine in your first aid kit can help with this. If the cut has not stopped bleeding, raise the wounded area above the heart and place pressure on the area to stop the bleeding. For larger wounds, locate the artery closest to the area and apply pressure on the artery to stop bleeding. Again, assuming that it’s a smaller cut, clean the area thoroughly, then apply some antibiotic cream and bandage. The bandage should be snug, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
• Blisters: Blisters can turn a fun walk in the woods into a miserable experience. If you’re prone to blisters, put the moleskin on your trouble spots on Day 1. Blisters are an open wound and can get infected if not cared for. Change your bandage and socks and keep the blistered area clean. Make sure that you pack different size bandages, gauze, and first aid cream. Areas where the pack straps touch your shoulders are also prime targets for blisters. Use BodyGlide or Vaseline here before you start your hike, too…you’ll thank me later.
• Sprains: If you’re lucky enough to live in areas of glacial till (i.e. rocky), your ankles may take a beating when you hike. If you’ve got a heavy pack on your shoulders, it can be very easy to twist your ankles. Walking sticks can be a hiker’s friend on rough terrain and save your balance when a rock or root trips you up. A good elastic or ACE bandage should be packed in the unfortunate event that you or someone with you twists an ankle. This can help immobilize the sprained area until you can get medical attention. ACE bandages are also valuable for larger wound areas, and can help make a good splint with a few straight sticks.
• Splinters: The woods can have lots of thorny shrubs and other prickly friends. It’s a good idea to pack a pair of tweezers and some alcohol wipes, just in case. These are also handy in removing ticks. After you remove the splinter or tick, clean and bandage the wound with first aid cream to prevent infection.

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