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Thursday, August 12, 2010

Backpacking Tips: First Aid Kit Items

You can buy a pre-packaged first aid kit at a price and added weight, or you can tailor your own to fit your needs and situation.

Alternate version of the first aid symbolImage via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
If you choose to do your own first aid kit, make it up to fit your backpacking trip. Take into account where you will be hiking and how long your trip will be. Also consider the number of people in your group.
Keep your kit small and light – under 10 ounces if possible.
SKIN AND WOUND CARE
- large and small bandaids
- half-inch wide cloth tape
- 4 x 4 inch sterile dressings
- 2 x 2 inch sterile dressings
- 3 x 4 inch sterile non-adherent pads
- roll of sterile gauze wrap
- conforming gauze bandage
- knuckle adhesive bandages
- butterfly bandages for closing wounds
- antibiotic ointment
- antiseptic towelettes
- povidone iodine anticeptic
- benzalkonium disinfectant
- tincture of benzoin
- safety pins
- sterile, cotton-tipped applicators
-  aloe vera gel with lidocaine (local anesthetic)
FOOT AND BLISTER CARE
- duct tape,
- moleskin
PAIN MEDICATIONS
- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- extra-strength acetaminophen
- ibuprofen
- aspirin
STOMACH MEDICATIONS
-imodium caplets for diarrhea control
-antacid tablets
RESPIRATORY MEDICATIONS
- antihistamine packets
- throat lozenges for sore throat
Caveat: This must not be construed as medical advice. The above list is made up of suggested first aid items in different categories for your first aid kit. It is not a definitive list. You may add to it or subtract from it items according to your specific situation and needs.
by Richard Davidian, Ph.D.

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