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First Aid Kits for Travel

By Rod Brouhard, About.com

Updated May 25, 2006

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First Aid Kits for Extreme Adventures

When adventure and the great outdoors beckon, first aid takes a drastic turn. When help requires a day or two (or more) to find you, your pack should include some serious gear. Below is the list, amended for wilderness or a true extreme trek to the third-world country of your choice.

The essentials:

  • Adhesive bandages of various sizes
  • Triple-antibiotic ointment
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip salve
  • Antiseptic hand wipes or soap
  • Moleskin for blisters
  • Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine
  • Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  • Diphenhydramine or fexofenadine for allergies
  • Moist towellettes for cleaning hands
Added when leaving the country or visiting remote areas:
  • Compression bandage of at least 5x9 inches
  • Several 4x4 inch sterile bandages
  • Roller gauze bandage two inches wide
  • Roller gauze bandage four inches wide
  • Elastic bandage for support or swelling
  • Thermometer
  • Tweezers for splinters
  • Scissors
  • Topical pain reliever
  • Chemical cold pack
  • Zipped closure freezer bags
  • Insect repellent
Added for a day jaunt to the top of Half-Dome:
  • Trauma dressing at least 8 inches square
  • Adhesive tape, cloth and plastic
  • Iodine and alcohol prep pads
  • Insect sting relief pads
  • Twelve ounces of water for every hour on the trail
Added when hitting the outback or other wilderness area (some of this requires advanced planning and at least a little training):
  • Butterfly closures
  • Waterproof bandages
  • Epinephrine auto-injector for anaphylaxis
  • Dermal cover for cuts to prevent infection
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