First Aid Kit

what should you bring with you for first aid?

When hiking do you need a first aid kit?

      Many ultralight backpackers and some day hikers do not carry first aid kits.  
In the past 20 years of hiking 10,000+ miles I have never carried a first aid kit.  In that amount of time I have only seen a few hikers who have needed first aid.  But since the COVID-19 Virus more people have hiked 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 from 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 nickname 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.

What we should carry on the trail :

​​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 - Benedril - 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 Item You May Also Consider

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 overnight shelter
Antiacids - TUMS - Upset stomach
​Cotton Balls or Sawbs - Steralize 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

I make it a point to never help a person in trouble unless I have his/her permission, and I 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.