First Aid
Having the right couple of items to protect you from the sun, insects and minor aliments can make all the difference in enjoying the hike versus tolerating it.
Here's the type of First Aid gear that we like for Hiking and why we like it:
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray/Insect Repellent
- Small First Aid Kit
- First Aid Instructions
- Moleskin
- Lip Balm
- Tourniquet
- Note: click on any photo to enlarge it
Sunscreen
Miscellaneous – SPF as Required for Your Skin Type - at Least SPF 15
As all of us know, the sun can sneak up on you while hiking and it’s only the day after that you realize that you have a sunburn. Because of this we always take sunscreen with us on our hikes. From experience we have found that it’s better to have it and not use it than need it and not have it. The criteria that we use to evaluate sunscreen are: 1) SPF rating, 2) skin reactions, 3) sliminess and 4) breathability.
For those not familiar with the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) scale it is not linear:
As all of us know, the sun can sneak up on you while hiking and it’s only the day after that you realize that you have a sunburn. Because of this we always take sunscreen with us on our hikes. From experience we have found that it’s better to have it and not use it than need it and not have it. The criteria that we use to evaluate sunscreen are: 1) SPF rating, 2) skin reactions, 3) sliminess and 4) breathability.
For those not familiar with the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) scale it is not linear:
- SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays
- SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays
- SPF 15 (93% protection) allows 7 out of 100 photons through
- SPF 30 (97% protection) allows 3 out of 100 photons through.
Bug Spray/Insect Repellent
Miscellaneous – DEET Percentage Appropriate for the Area’s Climate
Although most of us use insect repellent to keep away the annoying bugs, these days, with West Nile Virus, Zika and other pest-borne health hazards, it’s a good idea to wear and carry insect repellent with you on hikes. Especially if you are hiking in a swampy or mosquito prone area. The criteria that we use to evaluate insect repellent are: 1) level of protection, 2) smell, and 3) feel on your skin. The most important criteria is the level of protection that the spray provides. For us that equates directly to the percentage of DEET in the spray. Over the years we have tried different active ingredients (to include homeopathic ingredients) but nothing seems to work as well as DEET. We normally use either “Off” or “Cutter” brand products since they come in a variety of sizes and forms. You can buy all sorts of bug spray/insect repellent at Amazon or your local stores.
Although most of us use insect repellent to keep away the annoying bugs, these days, with West Nile Virus, Zika and other pest-borne health hazards, it’s a good idea to wear and carry insect repellent with you on hikes. Especially if you are hiking in a swampy or mosquito prone area. The criteria that we use to evaluate insect repellent are: 1) level of protection, 2) smell, and 3) feel on your skin. The most important criteria is the level of protection that the spray provides. For us that equates directly to the percentage of DEET in the spray. Over the years we have tried different active ingredients (to include homeopathic ingredients) but nothing seems to work as well as DEET. We normally use either “Off” or “Cutter” brand products since they come in a variety of sizes and forms. You can buy all sorts of bug spray/insect repellent at Amazon or your local stores.
Small First Aid Kit
Adventure Medical Kits Day Tripper
Even on short hikes it makes sense to carry a small First Aid Kit since there is no other immediate help nearby. The criteria that we use to evaluate First Aid kits are: 1) completeness of First Aid items, 2) layout of items, 3) size, 4) weight and 5) price. We really like the thoughtfulness of the Adventure Medical Kits. They come is a wide variety of sizes and have the appropriate level of items for the types of injuries that you might need to treat. The “Day Tripper” kit measures 7.5" x 5.5" x 2.5", only weighs 1 pound and comes with the following items:
Even on short hikes it makes sense to carry a small First Aid Kit since there is no other immediate help nearby. The criteria that we use to evaluate First Aid kits are: 1) completeness of First Aid items, 2) layout of items, 3) size, 4) weight and 5) price. We really like the thoughtfulness of the Adventure Medical Kits. They come is a wide variety of sizes and have the appropriate level of items for the types of injuries that you might need to treat. The “Day Tripper” kit measures 7.5" x 5.5" x 2.5", only weighs 1 pound and comes with the following items:
- (3) Knuckle Fabric Easy Access Bandages
- (5) 1” x 3” Fabric Easy Access Bandage
- (4) Butterfly Closure Bandage
- (2) 4” x 4” Sterile Gauze Dressing Pkg./2
- (2) 2” x 2” Sterile Gauze Dressing Pkg./2
- (2) 2” x 3” Sterile Non-Adherent Dressing
- (1) Irrigation Syringe, 10cc. with 18 Gauge Tip
- (1) Skin Tac Topical Adhesive Wipe
- (1) 1” x 10yds Adhesive Tape
- (3) Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- (6) Antiseptic Wipe
- (1) Moleskin Blister Relief, Pre-Cut and Shaped (14 pieces)
- (2) Alcohol Swab
- (1) Cotton Tipped Applicator Pkg./2 Severe Bleeding
- (1) 5” x 9” Trauma Pad
- (1) Pair Nitrile Gloves Sprain / Strain
- (1) 2” Elastic Bandage with Hook and Loop Closure
- (3) Safety Pin Medication / Instrument
- (3) After Bite Bite and Sting Wipes
- (1) Splinter Picker/Tick Remover Forceps
- (2) Aspirin, Pkg./2 (325 mg.)
- (2) Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg.)
- (2) Ibuprofen, Pkg./2 (200 mg.)
- (2) Diamode, Pkg./1 (Loperamide HCI 2 mg.)
- (2) Acetaminophen, Pkg./2 (500 mg.)
- (1) Wilderness & Travel Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide by Eric Weiss, M.D.
First Aid Instructions
Army First Aid - by Double Dog Studios
Although the “Day Tripper” First Aid kit that we carry comes with the "Wilderness & Travel Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide" by Eric Weiss, M.D. book, we also like to carry a more comprehensive set of First Aid instructions with us. But in this case we carry it as an app on our phone rather than a book. The criteria that we use to evaluate First Aid apps are: 1) types of injuries covered, 2) level of detail of what to do to treat, 3) layout of information, and 4) clarity of instructions. We bought the Army First Aid by Double Dog Studios since it is well laid out and has step-by-step instructions on what to do when you can't call 911. If you look online you will find many recommendations for the Red Cross First Aid app - but in the backcountry this app would be virtually worthless since the third step in most of the treatment activities is "Dial 911" - which you obviously can not normally do when you are Hiking. You can buy this app at the Apple App Store and similar apps at the Google Play store.
Although the “Day Tripper” First Aid kit that we carry comes with the "Wilderness & Travel Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide" by Eric Weiss, M.D. book, we also like to carry a more comprehensive set of First Aid instructions with us. But in this case we carry it as an app on our phone rather than a book. The criteria that we use to evaluate First Aid apps are: 1) types of injuries covered, 2) level of detail of what to do to treat, 3) layout of information, and 4) clarity of instructions. We bought the Army First Aid by Double Dog Studios since it is well laid out and has step-by-step instructions on what to do when you can't call 911. If you look online you will find many recommendations for the Red Cross First Aid app - but in the backcountry this app would be virtually worthless since the third step in most of the treatment activities is "Dial 911" - which you obviously can not normally do when you are Hiking. You can buy this app at the Apple App Store and similar apps at the Google Play store.
Moleskin
Dr. Scholl's Moleskin Plus
Nothing ruins a hike like blisters. Although having the right hiking boots and socks can prevent most foot problems and blisters, sometimes they happen. If they do, if you do not have the right materials to relieve the problem you either have to stop hiking or hike in pain that gets worse with every step. For most issues we find that Dr. Scholl's Moleskin Plus allows us to temporarily fix the problem while we are on the trail. Carrying it is well worth the weight. You can buy moleskin at Amazon or your local drug stores.
Nothing ruins a hike like blisters. Although having the right hiking boots and socks can prevent most foot problems and blisters, sometimes they happen. If they do, if you do not have the right materials to relieve the problem you either have to stop hiking or hike in pain that gets worse with every step. For most issues we find that Dr. Scholl's Moleskin Plus allows us to temporarily fix the problem while we are on the trail. Carrying it is well worth the weight. You can buy moleskin at Amazon or your local drug stores.
Lip Balm
Miscellaneous - as Preferred
Like sunscreen lip balm is something that you normally don’t realize you need until it is too late since the sun and wind work on you every minute that you are outdoors. The criteria that we use to evaluate Lip Balm are: 1) protection provided, 2) feel on your lips and 3) medication in the balm. Since they are so small we generally let everyone take the lip balm that they prefer. We have an assortment that we choose from depending on the season (summer vs. winter), hiking terrain (sunny vs. windy) and current state of our lips (good vs. chapped). You can buy lip balm at Amazon or your local drug stores.
Like sunscreen lip balm is something that you normally don’t realize you need until it is too late since the sun and wind work on you every minute that you are outdoors. The criteria that we use to evaluate Lip Balm are: 1) protection provided, 2) feel on your lips and 3) medication in the balm. Since they are so small we generally let everyone take the lip balm that they prefer. We have an assortment that we choose from depending on the season (summer vs. winter), hiking terrain (sunny vs. windy) and current state of our lips (good vs. chapped). You can buy lip balm at Amazon or your local drug stores.
Tourniquet
North American Rescue Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T)
Because the data (especially the data from the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan where IEDs were prevalent and body armor decreased the number of immediate deaths) shows that using tourniquets can have a significant impact on saving the lives of wounded people, you really need to carry a tourniquet with you when you are hiking. Over the past 20 years the priority order for lifesaving treatments in emergency situations has transitioned to MARCH (Massive Hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia/Head Injury). Massive hemorrhage can kill people faster than an airway complication, because we don’t have much blood in our bodies in the first place (~5 liters is the average). Depending on the location of the wound, direct pressure, pressure dressing, wound packing (with or without a hemostatic agent) or tourniquets are the immediate field solutions to the problem. This means that something as simple as applying a tourniquet can potentially save lives when immediate treatment of a traumatic wound is required. During a discussion with a Navy Pararescue specialist, he emphasized that in the back country it is imperative that you carry a tourniquet; and the only one that he recommended was the Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) by North American Rescue - which is now the standard in the US military based on years of studies. Because of this discussion we updated our gear by purchasing a C-A-T tourniquet to replace our older gear. The CAT currently on the market is the 7th generation of the tourniquet and is recognized as the fastest, safest, and most effective prehospital field tourniquet available. It has proven to be 100% effective in occluding blood flow in both upper & lower extremities by the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research. The C-A-T comes in both black and orange. We purchased the orange version so that we can very easily locate it in our kit in an emergency situation.
Because the data (especially the data from the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan where IEDs were prevalent and body armor decreased the number of immediate deaths) shows that using tourniquets can have a significant impact on saving the lives of wounded people, you really need to carry a tourniquet with you when you are hiking. Over the past 20 years the priority order for lifesaving treatments in emergency situations has transitioned to MARCH (Massive Hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia/Head Injury). Massive hemorrhage can kill people faster than an airway complication, because we don’t have much blood in our bodies in the first place (~5 liters is the average). Depending on the location of the wound, direct pressure, pressure dressing, wound packing (with or without a hemostatic agent) or tourniquets are the immediate field solutions to the problem. This means that something as simple as applying a tourniquet can potentially save lives when immediate treatment of a traumatic wound is required. During a discussion with a Navy Pararescue specialist, he emphasized that in the back country it is imperative that you carry a tourniquet; and the only one that he recommended was the Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) by North American Rescue - which is now the standard in the US military based on years of studies. Because of this discussion we updated our gear by purchasing a C-A-T tourniquet to replace our older gear. The CAT currently on the market is the 7th generation of the tourniquet and is recognized as the fastest, safest, and most effective prehospital field tourniquet available. It has proven to be 100% effective in occluding blood flow in both upper & lower extremities by the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research. The C-A-T comes in both black and orange. We purchased the orange version so that we can very easily locate it in our kit in an emergency situation.
It should be noted that tourniquets should normally only used for extremities (arms and legs) when the bleeding cannot be stopped by the use of direct pressure alone, if direct pressure cannot be effectively applied for any reason, or if it is clear that the injury is so massive that attempting to use direct pressure will fail and only waste valuable time. As with all tourniquets the main thing to remember if you have to apply one to a victim is to place it “high and tight” – high above the wound to stop the circulation above the point of bleeding and tight enough that you cannot put your fingers under the band; even if this is painful to the victim. Once in place do not ever remove the tourniquet unless you absolutely have to so that you can make it tighter because the bleeding restarts and you don’t have a second tourniquet to place adjacent to the initial tourniquet.
If you want more details about the C-A-T Combat Application Tourniquet you can find it here:
https://www.narescue.com/combat-application-tourniquet-c-a-t.html
Here’s a great presentation by North American Rescue on “Small Limb Hemorrhage Control” that covers all this material in detail:
https://www.narescue.com/education/cat-tourniquet-education/small-limb-hemorrhage-training-ppt.html
In addition, other CAT Tourniquet Educational Materials can be found here:
https://www.narescue.com/education/cat-tourniquet-education.html
Just remember – with respect to traumatic bleeding – If it won’t quit - - - Tourniquet!
You can buy the North American Rescue Combat Application Tourniquet at Amazon.
https://www.narescue.com/combat-application-tourniquet-c-a-t.html
Here’s a great presentation by North American Rescue on “Small Limb Hemorrhage Control” that covers all this material in detail:
https://www.narescue.com/education/cat-tourniquet-education/small-limb-hemorrhage-training-ppt.html
In addition, other CAT Tourniquet Educational Materials can be found here:
https://www.narescue.com/education/cat-tourniquet-education.html
Just remember – with respect to traumatic bleeding – If it won’t quit - - - Tourniquet!
You can buy the North American Rescue Combat Application Tourniquet at Amazon.