First Aid along the trail

WHAT I BRING WITH ME FOR FIRST AID

When hiking do I think I need to bring a first aid kit? To save weight many ultralight backpackers and some day hikers do not carry first aid kits.  

In the past 20 years hiking 10,000+ miles I have not carried a formal first aid kit.  This is only my opinion and its never meant as an overall guideline for trail hikers. In that amount of time I have only seen a few hikers that have needed first aid.  But since the covid-19 virus there have been a lot more people hiking the trails and the demand for help has increased.  Not necessarily for me but for other hikers.  Not long ago I saw an elderly woman sitting on the side of the trail wrapping ace bandages around her ankles to her hips.  I stopped and talked to her for a while and she assured me she did not need any help.  Most of the problems I have seen are blisters, bee stings, scrapes, sprains, bruises, and dehydration.  Long distance hikers carry lots of ibuprofen for pain, which they call vitamin I.  Knees, ankles and hips will sooner or later ache at some time during the hike.  Aching joints usually come from long days of hiking 20 to 25 miles a day up and down mountains.
Ultralight hikers try to get by with the lightest gear possible many times at the expense of doing away with comfort and safety.  Lately I have seen more sprained ankles, blisters, and dehydration on the trail. You carry what you think is appropriate for your hike and do not worry about the extra weight. Be safe than sorry!

At a minimum this is what I carry on the trail 

Whistle - At times you can hear a whistle in the woods up to ten miles
Band Aids - Scrapes, blisters and some insect bites
Mole Skin - Blisters
Ace Bandage - Sprains, strains, broken bones
Antiseptic - Cuts and scrapes - Usually wipes
Tape - Cloth tape for larger cuts - Usually 2 inch small roll
Gauze - Larger cuts - usually 2 inch - Single roll
Pain Pills - Aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen
Antihistamines - Benadryl - Take for minor allergies - Rub or pills
Butterfly Closure Strips - Close wounds
Tweezers - Remove ticks and splinters
Hand Sanitizer - Sterilize hands
Safety Pins - Take out splinters, hold sling
Emergency Contact Information - Who should be contacted for an emergency
Small Knife or Scissors - Cutting emergencies

Extra Items I carry sometimes

Epipens - Severe allergies such as bee stings and some types of  allergies
Medications - Prescribed medicines
Insect Spray - Tick and mosquito repellent 
CPR Mask - For easier CPR
Space Blanket - For emergency over night shelter
Antacids - TUMS - Upset stomach
Cotton Balls or Swabs - Sterilize wounds 
Plastic Bags - Carry water, used to help keep wounds sterile
Duct Tape - Create a very tight hold
Cell or Satellite Phone - To call for help

In my opinion I make it a point never to help a person in trouble unless I have their permission and I also never help them unless it is a life saving situation and professional care is not available in a reasonable time. 

Psalm 89:15 - Blessed are those who have to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.