First Aid on the Trail

The farther from the beaten path you venture, the more prepared you should be for a medical emergency. Always carry a first-aid kit designed for the type of trek and the number of people in your group.

A variety of first-aid kits are available for day hikes, family camping trips or backpacking treks. Kits should be tailored to your trekking terrain, weather, the ages of hikers and your group's special medical needs.

It is important to know how to use everything in your first-aid kit beforehand. You won't have time in the middle of an emergency to read an instruction manual.

Before you go, learn about any possible hazards at your destination, such as poisonous plants, snakes and insects. Ask local officials or park rangers what special gear or clothing might be needed. Locate the road and public phone closest to your campsite or trail, so you know where to summon help if it is needed.

Some organizations offer wilderness first-aid courses targeted to outdoors enthusiasts. Be sure to practice what you learn and share it with others in your party.

Good first-aid kits are available in a wide range of prices, and specialty kits are available for mountain bikers, canoeists and others.

The following items should be considered when outfitting a basic first-aid kit:

1 elastic-roll bandage

Aspirin or ibuprofen

Adhesive tape

Alcohol swabs

Antacid

Antihistamine

Antiseptic ointment

Adhesive bandages, assorted sizes

Bug repellent

Bulb irrigating syringe

Butterfly bandages

Chemical heat and cold packs

Dry-wash pads or wipes

Diarrhea medicine

Gauze pads

Hydrocortisone cream (soothes allergic skin)

Mirror, small and unbreakable

Moleskin, 1 or 2 packets

Cotton swab, sterile, packaged in pairs

Safety pins

Scissors (Swiss Army Pen Knife has scissors, small blade and nail file)

Sunscreen

Triangular bandage

Tweezers

Inspect the contents before every trip and make sure the tools are clean and supplies in good condition. Replace expired medicines and add items you wished you had brought on the last trip. Make sure the container is durable and waterproof and stow it in an accessible compartment of your backpack.