| If planning a journey away from towns and easy access to medical treatment, consider carefully what equipment to take with you. Since you will be carrying the first aid kit yourself it should contain lightweight essential supplies. If you will be in wild country with a guide, check what equipment will be bought for the group (guides often extended training in emergency skills) and what items you should bring personally.
KEEPING WARM AND PROVIDING SHELTER
This is often the first priority for an injured person in wilderness situation. Useful equipment includes:
- Survival bags: tough polythene body-size bags that can be used as protection from the elements. Often brightly colored, they are also a useful signaling tool
- Sleeping bag/tent/floor mat
- Complete spare set of clothes
- Method of warming up hot drinks or food
SIGNALING FOR HELP
 If an accident happens, the best advice is usually to stay put and call for help. Consider taking a combination of the following:
- Cellular phone (but check network coverage in the area that you are going to be in)
- Whistle
- Mirror
- Flashlight
- Rescue flare
PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS AND WILDLIFE
When shelter is limited and you are exerting yourself walking, both heatstroke and heat exhaustion are real risks. Keep your head covered and wear cool clothes that allow sweat to evaporate from the body. Drink regularly and try and keep out of the sun during its hottest time (around midday). Remember too that insect and animal bites are common.
The following may be useful additions to your kit:
- Insect repellent
- Over-the-counter remedy for insect stings
- Sunscreen and sunburn remedy
- Sunglasses
TREATING INJURIES
Restrict first aid equipment to a minimum to keep weight down.
The following should cover most key emergency situations:
- 4 assorted sterile dressings: small, medium, and large
- 2 triangular bandages
- Adhesive bandages or non-adhesive dressings and hypoallergenic tape
- Conforming bandages to fit ankles and knees (this bandage may enable a person with a sprained ankle to carry on walking to safety)
- Gloves and face shield
INDIVIDUAL MEDICATION
It is important to know the medical requirements of all group members and to ensure that sufficient supplies of medications are carried for the trip (including extra in case conditions delay return times) |
