Are you getting ready for a big hike or a camping trip? What about just playing sports or games outside?
Regardless of what you like to do in the great outdoors, it’s important to have a good first aid kit on hand to avoid and fix any and all common outdoor injuries.
Choosing first aid kits isn’t difficult. There are so many combinations of items to mix and match! But how do you know what you should put in your kit?
We’re here to talk about it. Keep reading to learn about a few keys factors to keep in mind when you’re choosing your next first-aid kit.
Table of Contents
1. Why Do You Need It?
First, why are you building this first aid kit in the first place? Where is it going?
If you’re buying a well-rounded first aid kit that can help you in a wide variety of situations, you want a general collection of first aid items that you can use either indoors or outdoors.
These things will include things like rubbing alcohol, bandages, and gauze, among other things.
If you’re using it for more heavy-duty or specific purposes, though, like fishing trips, camping, or hiking, you want some specialized items. You may want flashlights, something for serious wound care, splints, and more.
2. How Much Space Do You Have?
Space and portability are key when you’re choosing your new first aid kit. How much room do you really have?
When you buy an empty first aid kit, you control how much you put inside it. Only you know if you need something that can stay in the car (meaning bigger is better) or something that you need to slip into a purse or backpack.
Your space will limit your bag’s contents. You may need to use alcohol pads, small bandages, and tiny tools instead of their full-sized counterparts.
If you have a lot of space, take advantage of it. You want to have everything that you’ll need in the event of an emergency, so this is a great time to include a thin blanket, snacks, and an area for medication.
3. The Basics
All good first-aid kits have a few items in common. Everything else is extra.
You’re looking for a kit that can handle common outdoor injuries. For most people, these injuries include:
- Scrapes
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Aches and pains
- Burns
For heavy-duty kits, you want to consider:
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Serious burns
- Wounds
With all of these things in mind, what makes sense? Most good kits already include gauze, bandages, wipes, alcohol, tweezers, scissors, and antibiotic cream. A heavy-duty kit may also include a sling, super glue, an Epipen, and tools to stop heavy bleeding.
Never forget the basic must-haves in favor of the more unique options.
Choosing First Aid Kits Is Easy
Next time you’re choosing first aid kits, use this first aid kit checklist to help! You’ll have a handy and full pack of first aid items in no time so you can stay safe no matter what you do.
Before your next outdoor adventure, make sure you have a well-stocked kit!
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Tiffany is a Medical Student and also works as a fitness coach in part-time. She is also a writer and writes on health and fitness articles. Tiffany loves to engage with users and help them provide various useful information on General Health. She provides researched-based information and also featured on various blogs and magazines.