First Aid Kit

Here are some important items that really improve a first aid kit, for just about any situation. Wether it is a minor cut or life threatening accident, you can be ready for it. As the Boy Scouts I am, I always say, BE PREPARED!!!

This can be used to clean a cut or sterilize your hands before eating, applying first aid, or changing lantern mantles.

This can be used for a jammed or broken finger to be held together with a splint or the attach gauze to a wound.

This ace bandage can be used for a sprain for a sling if needed. The needle can be used for popping blisters, sewing a rip in clothing or a pack, and can be used to stitch up a bad cut. The rubber rand are used in case of a snake bite to mostly cut off the circulation in the area so the poison/venom does not travel though your body.

This is used for blisters to stop the rubbing of the area where it occurs, an O or doughnut shaped piece will relieve the pressure on it and will help the swelling go down. The scissors wrapped in tape can be used to cut the moleskin or anything else that needs cut, the tape is used so that it does not poke through the bags and can be used for anything.

Neosporin is used to help heal wounds and keeps the skin moist so that it heals. Lotion can be important for bad skin and other skin problems. A tube of Benadryl will help relieve itching and other problems for plants like poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and can help stop allergic reactions.

These are extremely important because they are used for minor cuts, and have numerous sizes and shapes. The ones I have included are: small, normal, large, finger tip, knuckle, butterfly, and gauze. I also carry alcohol prep pads to clean wounds, which can be picked up after a meal at a restaurant. Wings places especially, and Quaker Steak & Lube generously give them out.

These two tubes are mixed together to form epoxy, which is an industrial glue. This is used for extreme cuts that need to be takes to the hospital. You can save someone's life so seal a wound until you reach the hospital. Apply even amounts of white and black until it forms a dark grey, and apply to cut it blow on to quick dry it.

Vinyl gloves are used for your protection from the person's wound so that nothing will happen to you. I recommend buying vinyl gloves because some people are allergic to latex and your problem could be worse than before. Keep two pairs in a snack bag so they stay sterile unlike use. You do not want dirty gloves to heal someone and give them an infection.

Fire is very important. It can be used to sterilize medical equipment like needles, scissors or a knife for the process of healing a wound. They can be used in an emergency situation without worry of not working. Keep a lighter, petroleum jelly coated Cotten balls and Cotten straws fire a fire. To make a cotton straw get a medium sized straw, a couple cotton balls, scissors, petroleum jelly, and a lighter. Start by trimming the straw into about 3-4 inch segments. Light and end and press the plastic together until it is fused together. Pull a cotton ball until it is thin, dip it in petroleum jelly, and use a toothpick to push it in the straw. Get as much as you can inside of it. Then fuse the other end together like the first one. To use, cut open one end and light. The cottons and plastic will burn for a couple minutes regardless of being wet, and will last for a couple minutes to get your fire started.

Keep the first aid kit in a quart size ziplock to keep water proof. Each section of the kit should be in a separate bag to to keep organized and water proof. Put a second bag on the outside for extra water proof and for garbage after healing someone.

I hope this helps you on your adventures. Remember you can always be creative and put your own things in that you may need, and you can use mine for a basis. Keep things simple and keep fire redundant for many options so if one doesn't work you will have more. As a Boy Scout this has helped me over the years and has come very I handy. ALWAYS be prepared so you can expect the unexpected.