What to bring when you’re going on an epic hunting adventure can be hard to determine at times. One of the most important things you should always pack is a first aid kit for those unforeseen, hopefully never to encounter, medical emergencies. Whether you have any medical training or not this information can be useful and pretty self-explanatory. Without a doubt if you’ve been out in the wilderness before I’m sure you’ve experienced minor cuts, falls, insect bites or some sort of injury, so here’s a breakdown of items you should have handy for any minor, and some major, medical emergencies in the great outdoors.
Gauze-some 2”x2” and 4”x4” pads to cover and hold pressure on any bleeding wounds
Tourniquet-to stop any arterial or severe venous bleeding
QuikClot– used by the U.S. military for open bleeding wounds to staunch the flow of blood
Tape-to secure gauze padding and other bandaging
Splinting Material– lightweight and used for fractures to maintain placement for comfort and stability
Coban– a self-adherent wrap used to hold gauze bandaging in place when tape is ineffective
Triangle bandage- effective for creating a sling to support broken extremities
Band-Aids-a few different sizes, and waterproof if possible, used to cover minor cuts and wounds
Israeli bandage-for severe lacerations and large open wounds that need continuous pressure
Moleskin-for areas of blistered feet and toes that require padding for walking
Iodine swabs-to clean open wounds before bandaging to prevent infection
Triple antibiotic cream– topical polysporin or neosporin ointment to prevent opportunistic infection
Diaper rash cream– useful for chaffing skin to prevent and sooth irritation
Sting Relief Swabs– contain anesthetic to put on insect bites and stings for pain relief and irritation
Thermal blanket-to ensure the patient stays warm if unable to thermoregulate or walk to camp
Aspirin– Four 81mg chewable tablets in case of cardiac related chest pains
Benadryl-Two 25mg tablets used for allergic reactions or nausea
Ibuprofen– Two 200mg tablets used for pain, fever, or inflammation
Pepto Chewables- Two tablets as needed for upset stomach, indigestion or nausea
Some tools to ensure you have on your person include a knife for cutting clothing or bandaging, a fire starter or lighter to make a campfire to stay warm, and a whistle to call for help if you’re in a secluded area and don’t have a satellite phone readily accessible. It is important to remember that these items should all be packed tightly into your first aid kit and in small packaging so that the pack is light and more easily carried. All of these items can be bought fairly cheap at most retail stores or online, and can make a huge difference in a scary situation. Logically pack your kit so that it is easily accessible, tourniquets with bandaging, ointments and medications on one side, and remember to familiarize yourself with your pack so that if the situation is time sensitive there is an ease of fluidity to your treatment. For those hunters who may have a background in healthcare and advanced medical training you may consider carrying some more invasive items such as chest seals, needle decompression needles, maybe even a scalpel for life or death situations, such as a collapsed lung, where help may not be available. Whether you’re out on your own or with a group of likeminded hunters make sure to be prepared and have a plan for any medical situation which may arise in the outdoors.
