A preassembled first aid kit offers a great starting point, but there’s no such thing as one perfect kit. What you take with you should depend on where you’re going, how long you’ll be gone, who’s going with you, and what you’re trained to use.
Below are some items, sorted by category, that don’t always come in prepackaged first aid kits. Many of these are available at pharmacies; for those that aren’t, see Replenishing your kit.
Extras, so you don’t run out
Nitrile gloves: Our first aid kit picks include only one pair of nitrile gloves. It can’t hurt to add an extra pair, especially if you’re going on a longer backpacking trip or if you’ll be far into the wilderness.
Safety pins: While some of our picks include these, they are easy to lose, and extras take up relatively little space.
Tape: One expert we spoke to, Josh McNary at NOLS, said that tape is usually the first thing to run out in a kit, especially if anyone is prone to blisters. While the cloth athletic tape included in most kits works fine, McNary said Leukotape or KT tape is a great upgrade because it adheres better to skin.
Wound and blister care
Wound irrigation tool: This typically takes the form of a syringe. Our top pick includes this, but our other picks do not. It’s worth picking one up if you don’t have one.
Water disinfection device or chemicals: Purifying water can be critical if someone is dehydrated or you need to irrigate a wound. A water filter or purification tablets are two quick and lightweight tools: We recommend the Sawyer Mini Water Filter and Potable Aqua tablets in “The Best Gear for Your Bug-Out Bag.”
Burn pads: You can cover wounds and blisters using these handy antiseptic gel pads, which dry on skin to form a protective shield.
Povidone iodine: Commonly diluted in water, this is used to disinfect skin and wounds. The experts we interviewed at NOLS recommend using povidone iodine solution only when a wound has a high infection risk (such as an animal bite) or already has signs of infection. Otherwise, flushing with potable water is sufficient.
Tincture of benzoin: This natural sticky substance treats blisters and small wounds, and can go under bandages to create more adhesion.
Sprains, breaks, aches, and pains
Triangular bandages: These bandages are typically used to make a sling (video), which you’d ideally make with two bandages. They can also be used to bandage, pressure, or pack wounds.
Dental relief gel, such as Orajel: According to NOLS’s own data dating back to 1984, dental issues have been the third most-likely incident to occur during the organization’s wilderness trainings (second to gastrointestinal issues and soft-tissue injuries).
Wire splint: Made of lightweight metal, reusable splints can be more convenient than trying to fashion something in the field. SAM Medical is the most well-known manufacturer, but you can find similar versions elsewhere online.
Monitoring symptoms
SOAP forms (also called patient-assessment forms or radio reports): Having pre-structured paperwork gives you an easy way to record the most important information about a first aid scenario, like vitals, symptoms, and observations. A variety of free, printable forms are available online, including those from Adventure Medical Kits (PDF) and The Center for Wilderness Safety.
Permanent marker: For taking notes on a patient’s condition, a permanent marker works better than a pen or pencil in wet weather.
Oral thermometer: It can be helpful to take a patient’s temperature alongside their other vitals. Disposable thermometers are light and packable, but if you’d rather take a reusable battery-powered thermometer, bring probe covers.
CPR and other masks
CPR/rescue mask: If you’re qualified to give CPR and need to do so, a mask protects you and the patient from bodily fluids and cross-contamination.
Medical or surgical masks: A respirator or surgical mask will protect you and your patient from respiratory illness and bodily fluids, especially when you need to be in close contact.
Protection from the elements
Thermal blanket or bivvy: For longer adventures in cooler weather, a lightweight emergency blanket or thermal bivvy, like the ones we recommend for gear for your bug-out bag, can keep you or a patient warm in a pinch.
link