First Aid Kit

Where ever you go, packing a first aid kit is important, as is knowing some basic first aid in case of an emergency. Sometimes a simple untreated cut is all it takes to turn a thrilling adventure into a draining slog.

A properly stocked first aid kit is extremely cheap peace of mind to have around. You can purchase complete ready-made kits, but it will be more useful to you create your own (for example: Many ready-made kits have latex gloves, so people with latex allergies would have a latex-free kit with nitrile or vinyl gloves).

It is not hard to build your own first aid kit. It is basically a combination of two things: The components and the case.

Bare minimum, a basic first-aid kit needs to have:

• Antiseptic wipes (preferably Betadine)
• Gauze, medical tape and medical scissors
• Band-aids and liquid bandage
• Antibiotic cream and burn cream
• Hand sanitizer or Betadine in a small plastic bottle
• Disposable gloves
• Tweezers
• Finger splint
• Small instant cold/hot pack

If you have any existing medical condition, you should pack accordingly for that as well:

• If you're diabetic (particularly Type 1) you might have an issue with Hypoglycemia, and should bring some small candies, dehydrated fruit snacks etc.
• If you're asthmatic, pack your inhaler.
• If you have serious allergies, pack an epipen.