Build a Wilderness First Aid Kit

The wilderness holds a vast, indescribable power – and perhaps that’s why we’re so drawn to exploring every inch we can. Still, it’s important to remember that hundreds of thousands of people visit the ER every year for injuries acquired during outdoor recreational activities like hiking and climbing. Especially worrisome is the fact that our youngest family members may be most susceptible to these types of wilderness injuries: Over half of these emergency room patients are between the ages of 10 and 24.

Rest assured – this is no reason to avoid the awe-inspiring wonders of the wild. Just don’t set off without a proper first aid bag that’s packed and ready to use. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns as you discover the outdoors.

#1 Take care when you hit the trail
When the trail twists – and a boot slips – it pays to have first-aid products on hand to cover, wrap, tape and ice your injury. Hobbling back to the car is no way to spend an afternoon in the wild, so be sure to pack:

• BAND-AID® Brand of First Aid Products Rolled Gauze 3inx2.5yd to cover hard-to-bandage areas
• BAND-AID® Brand of First Aid Products Waterproof Tape, 1 inch to secure gauze covers over wounds  
• Ice Pack to reduce inflammation in sprains and strains
• COMPEED® Blister Medium Cushions to help prevent rubbing and relieve pressure that can lead to blisters while hiking

#2 Treat cuts & scrapes
When you’re out in the wild and experience even a minor cut or scrape, it’s critical to thoroughly clean, treat and cover your wound right away. That’s because a wound suffered in the wild is subject to any number of infections – and you don’t want to take your chances. Consider these:

• Hand Sanitizer to clean your hands before treating a wound
• BAND-AID® Brand HURT-FREE® Antiseptic Wash to cleanse fresh wounds
• NEOSPORIN® + Pain, Itch, Scar .5oz to protect from infection
• BAND-AID® Brand of First Aid Products MIRASORB® Gauze Sponges for cleaning and applying medication
• BAND-AID® Brand of First Aid Products Medium All-In-One Adhesive Gauze Pads to conveniently cover wounds on the go

 #3 Take care among campsite hazards
The trails aren’t the only places where first aid can be required. The campsite is a place of welcome rest at the end of a long day on the trail, but it is also a place prone to bug bites and burns – and  where extra bandages and wound dressings for previously acquired cuts and scrapes can come in real handy. Think about having the following at the ready:

• BENADRYL® Extra Strength Spray to provide extra strength itch relief and protect skin
• BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Gel Extra Strength to soothe and relieve itching from rashes or bug bites
• Emergency blanket to stay warm during drops in temperature
• Tweezers to help remove splinters or ticks
• Scissors to cut gauze and trim bandages
• BAND-AID® Brand SKIN-FLEX™ Adhesive Bandages, 25 ct One Size for protection that sticks
• BAND-AID® Brand of First Aid Products Rolled Gauze 3inx2.5yd to re-cover hard-to-bandage areas
• BAND-AID® Brand of First Aid Products Medium All-In-One Adhesive Gauze Pads to conveniently cover wounds on the go
• BAND-AID® Brand of First Aid Products Waterproof Tape, 1 inch to secure gauze covers  over wounds
• Ice Pack to reduce inflammation and help ease pain
• TYLENOL® Extra Strength Caplets (for ages 12 and over) to help relieve pain

Spending time in the outdoors can be an adventure into the unknown. But, by keeping a well-stocked first aid kit with you at all times, you can enjoy peace of mind when you’re out in the wild.

©Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2017