An emergency or accident can happen anywhere. You, a family member or anyone in your group may get cut, burned, suffer other injuries or become ill while on the trail. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Having some first aid supplies and knowing how to treat minor injuries can make the trail ride much more comfortable and enjoyable. First-Aid kits may be purchased or you may choose to assemble your own kit according to what you believe your needs would be. You may also choose to purchase a basic kit and personalize it to your own needs. Following is a list of the basic items that should be in your kit.
- Sterile Gloves (2pr)
- Sterile Pad (Used to control bleeding, thick pad)
- Sterile Gauze Pads (Small and Large)
- Gauze Bandage (Kerlix Roll)
- Butterfly Closure Strips
- Ace Bandage ( 2” and 4”)
- Triangular Bandage (this can be a large square bandana that can be folded)
- Cleansing Agent (Liquid Soap or Hydrogen Peroxide)
- Alcohol Pads
- Hand Sanitizer
- Cotton Swabs (Q-tips)
- Aloe Vera Gel (used for mild burns, itching and to prevent bandages from sticking to wounds)
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Burn Ointment
- Benadryl Cream (any anti-itch cream for stings/allergic reactions)
- Band-Aids (All sizes)
- Adhesive Tape (Nylon or Cloth)
- Eye Wash Solution (Saline used for contacts is great)
- Scissors
- Small Splinter Tweezers
- Instant Cold Pack
- Large Ziploc Baggie (can be used for ice pack or bloody dressings)
- Aspirin
- Tylenol
- Ibuprofen
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Anti-nausea medication
- Antacid
- Benadryl
- Bug Spray
If you choose to assemble your own kit, just make certain that it is easily carried; items can be found quickly, the container is reasonably waterproof and would be easily recognized as the first-aid kit. Either label the container with bright reflective tape or use a paint pen.
For those adventurers who like to combine week-end camping with trail riding, you may also wish to include a face shield that would be used if CPR were needed. Please be certain that if you choose to include a face shield, that you have had CPR training. For those who like to go on rugged wilderness adventures, i.e. Rubicon Trail, there are ready made Wilderness First-Aid Packs that would be worth purchasing. There are also great booklets for both Basic First-Aid and Wilderness First-Aid that I would recommend purchasing and keeping together with your kit.
There are many places from which to purchase a First-Aid Kit. Below are just a few examples.
Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, Camping World, Bass-Pro Shops, Target
Online examples: AdventureMedicalKits.com, CampingSurvival.com, SierraTradingPost.com, ReadyKor.com
Educational Internet Sites: Ready.gov, Redcross.org/anatomy of a first-aid kit, Wikipedia/first aid kit
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