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First Aid Kit Contents

Don't scrimp when it comes to your first aid kit contents. If you're going to be going on a trip to the great outdoors, this kit isn't optional, and the farther away from "civilization" you'll be traveling, the more important it is. You need to be well prepared and have a kit that's ready for any eventuality. Here are some of the first aid kit contents you should have for your next camping, hiking, or other outdoor trip.

Basic Items In Your First Aid Kit

Bandages and bandage tape, plus several sizes of sterile gauze are important. Scissors will help you cut them to size, and disposable gloves will protect you and everyone else. Keep disinfectant, eye wash, and a sealed bottle of distilled water on hand for various cleansing operations, plus cotton swabs and balls. A blanket, a thermometer, some chemical cold packs and a pair of tweezers round off your kit.

Over The Counter Medicines

These are another important part of any first aid kit. Include painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen for fever, pain and inflammation. Antihistamines should be added in both liquid and topical form, and every kit should contain topical antibacterial applications. Heartburn and anti-nausea medications are useful for digestive problems. Remember to pack burn gel and sunburn treatments, too.

Personalize Your First Aid Kit Contents

If you have any medical issues, you'll need to personalize your kit. Bring extras of your prescriptions in case your regular ones are lost, especially for daily medication. If you suffer from asthma, be sure to pack spare inhalers. If you have allergies, be sure all emergency remedies are in the first aid kit. Diabetics should also make sure that emergency testing tools and injectors are available. It may be a good idea to include something sugary that won't go bad in case of low blood sugar, if you're hypoglycemic.

Tailor Your Kit To The Environment

Next, think how your first aid kit contents will match with the environment you'll be going into. If you may encounter poisonous snakes, be sure to include a snake bite kit. If you're in a rocky areas, include bruise and sprain treatments. For wooded areas where poison ivy and oak may be a problem, appropriate treatments are also important.

The Container Is Important

Once you've got everything together, you'll need to think about what you'll put the kit into. Make sure it's waterproof, and individually contain things like blankets and bandages in their own plastic bags. This keeps your kit functional even if there's a thunderstorm or if it falls into a stream. Make sure you also bring containers for safe disposal of used bandages, syringes, and other items.

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