First Aid Kit Essentials
Supplies
- Outdoor/backcountry/wilderness first-aid manual
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm (with sun protection)
- Insect repellent
- Biodegradable soap
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Thermometer
- Scalpel or razor blade
- Plastic bags
- Space blanket
- Duct tape
- Latex (or equivalent) gloves (at least four pairs)
- Scissors
- Small knife or multi-use tool
- Magnifying glass
- Sterilized needle and thread
- Safety pins (and diaper pins)
- Tweezers
- Band-Aids (mixed sizes)
- Butterfly bandages
- Moleskin and molefoam
- Ace bandage
- Roller gauze
- 2 triangular bandages
- Adhesive tape
- 2x2 and 4x4 gauze pads
- Nonstick (Telfa) pads
- Instant cold pack
- Alcohol swabs
- Sanitary pads
Medicine
- Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) to prevent skin infection
- Hydrocortisone cream (Cortaid, Lanacort) to relieve itching, swelling and redness of skin
- Ibuprofen to relieve pain, relax muscles (take only with food)
- Loperamide (Imodium AD) to treat diarrhea
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve headaches and muscle aches
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to relieve allergic reactions
- Antacid to relieve upset stomach, heartburn
- Iodine solution (Betadine) to clean and sterilize wounds
- Iodine tablets for water disinfection
- Zinc Oxide to block sun
- Calamine lotion or sting relief ointment to relieve itching
- Eye wash
- Epinephrine syringe (epiPen) for severe allergic reactions (available only by prescription)
- Syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting (only for use at direction of a doctor or poison control center)
Other Supplements
- Aloe vera gel for burns (including sunburn)
- Calendula cream or ointment to reduce inflammation and promote healing
- Vitamin C, Echinachea and Garlic capsules for immune system support
- Zinc lozenges for sore throats
- Ginger and/or chamomile tea to soothe upset stomachs
- Oil of cloves for toothaches and vomiting
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