I always restock my first aid kit on the first day of each season. Since Spring is just two weeks away I recently pulled out my personal first aid list. On our multi-day expeditions and international trips we carry large first aid kits full all kinds of goodies. Something that big isn’t realistic for every day use, so here’s the first aid kit I leave in my truck and bring on day trips where we’re not too far from a road.
Great organization starts with a functional case. I’ve found one that I like, but Pelican boxes full of zip lock bags work great too!
| Item | Why? |
| Small First Aid Book | Knowledge is power! |
| Band Aids (10) | Small wounds |
| Neosporin | Small wounds |
| Steri Strips (5) | Closing deep wounds |
| 4×4 Sterile Gauze Pads (2) | To help cover wounds |
| Tegaderm (2-3) | These are great and easy to use waterproof/breathable dressings – a must for paddling |
| First Aid Tape (1-2 rolls) | Everything |
| Gloves (3 pair) | Body Substance Isolation (BSI) – keep yourself stay safe! |
| CPR Mask | Body Substance Isolation (BSI) – keep yourself stay safe! |
| Hand Sanitizer | Sometimes is just plain nice to have clean hands but you should sanitize your hands before and after working around wounds. |
| Chap-stick | Chapped lips are no fun |
| Small Sunscreen | Emergency backup |
| Aloe Vera | Sunburn |
| Ibuprofen (Advil) | An important part of I-RICE (Ibuprofen – Rest – Ice – Compression – Elevation) |
| Aspirin | Shown to help with heart attacks |
| Bendadryl | Allergic Reactions |
| Anti-diarrheal | Mandatory for international trips |
| Tweezers | Wilderness Medical Institute (WMI) sells the absolute best tweezers |
| Trauma Shears | For cutting through clothes or even kayaks! |
| Lighter | Accidental overnighters or to sterilize the tip of a safety pin |
| Moleskin | Blisters |
| Small Irrigation Syringe | Cleaning deep wounds |
| Sam Splint | Easy splint |
| Ace Bandage | To help with splinting or a quick immobilization of a joint |
| Triangular Bandages (1-3) | To create a sling |
| Safety Pins (3) | Great for splinting, but also great for getting splinters out |
| Pencil | Keeping notes |
| Soap Notes | Keeping track of important Subjective – Objective – Assessment – Plan data |
| Type A & B Tear-Aid | This doesn’t take much space and is great for quick, easy field repairs. |
Every first aid kit is a little different, but this is the one I’ve found most useful. Please feel free to add any thoughts below as I’m always looking to make my list better.
