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How to make your own remote area First Aid Kit and what you should put in it.
How to make your own remote area First Aid Kit and what you should put in it.
Whether you’re hiking through the rugged wilderness, camping in remote areas, or just preparing for unexpected emergencies, a well-stocked first aid kit is crucial for keeping you safe. When you're far from medical facilities, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential items to include in your remote area first aid kit, ensuring you're prepared for any situation, from cuts and burns to insect bites and allergic reactions. This first aid kit has serves us well, we've had it when doing the O circuit in Patagonia, The South-West Track in Tasmania, Milford Sound in New Zealand and for simple daywalks as well like Spion Kop.
What Should Be in a Remote Area First Aid Kit?
What Should Be in a Remote Area First Aid Kit?
When assembling a first aid kit for remote areas, it’s vital to pack items that can handle a variety of injuries and medical situations. While every kit may vary depending on specific needs, here are the must-have supplies to ensure you're ready for anything.
How much does a good remote area first aid kit weigh?
How much does a good remote area first aid kit weigh?
It depends on how much you take of each item, the first aid kit below weighs wbout 500g. If you are going to go very lightweight then take this one thing: a compression bandage for in case of a snake bite, it is versatile and can be used for other things, while being an essential piece of kit to have if you are bitten by a snake. If you are bitten by a snake and don't have any first aid gear, let emergency services know and stay as still as possible. If you have a friend they can use their clothes to compress your lymph nodes, you need to stay as still as possible though.
How should I store my first Aid kit?
How should I store my first Aid kit?
The most lightweight option is a waterproof drybag, or a waterproof lock and lock is a bit heavier and does the same job - we use this because it is easier to store the scissors and tweezers in.
Where should I shop for first aid supplies?
Where should I shop for first aid supplies?
We highly recommend shopping for your first aid supplies at your local chemist of pharmacy - that way you have exactly what you need and you know what is in there so that.
Here is a link to a checklist for your remote area first aid kit.
Compression Bandage
Saline Pack for Wound Care
Pointed Tweezers and Tick Removers
Alcohol Wipes
A Range of Bandages and Dressings
Bandaids (most used item)
Space Blanket
Iodine for Antiseptic Use
Pain Relievers, antihistamines and Medications such as gastrostop
Cream for bites
Steri Strips
Chlorine tablets in case the water filter breaks
Surgical Tape for Emergency Repairs
Small Scissors and Tweezers
Crepe Bandage (Small)
Compeed Blister Bandages
Freeze of tick spray
Super glue
Glad wrap
Hydrolytes
- Compression Bandage
A compression bandage is an essential item in any remote area first aid kit, specifically designed to aid in the immediate treatment of snake bites. When applied correctly, it works by exerting consistent pressure around the affected limb, helping to slow the spread of venom through the lymphatic system.
After a snake bite, venom typically travels through the lymph nodes and into the bloodstream. The compression bandage is applied to the bite site and wrapped tightly over the limb to compress the lymphatic vessels. This pressure helps restrict the movement of venom, allowing you more time to seek urgent medical attention.
2. Saline Pack for Wound Care
2. Saline Pack for Wound Care
Saline solution is essential for cleaning wounds in remote areas. It's widely recommended by medical professionals to flush out dirt, bacteria, and debris from injuries. You can find saline packs at most chemists, usually in the eye care section. Make sure you have a few of these in your kit, as proper wound cleaning can prevent infections.
3. Pointed Tweezers and Tick Removers
3. Pointed Tweezers and Tick Removers
Ticks are a common issue in the bush, and removing them promptly is critical. A good set of pointed tweezers and a tick remover tool are invaluable for extracting ticks, splinters, or foreign objects that can cause irritation or infection. Having the right tools ensures you can address these problems safely and efficiently.
4. Alcohol Wipes
4. Alcohol Wipes
Alcohol wipes are a must for sanitizing the skin before and after treating a wound. They’re also effective for cleaning hands or tools that may have been exposed to contaminants. These compact wipes don’t take up much space but provide a vital layer of hygiene when you're in the wilderness.
5. A Range of Bandages and Dressings
5. A Range of Bandages and Dressings
A versatile range of bandages and dressings is essential for addressing different types of wounds. Be sure to pack various sizes, from small adhesive bandages (bandaids) to larger gauze dressings and compression bandages. Most chemists sell these items individually, so you can easily customize your kit for the injuries most likely to occur in the remote areas you’ll be exploring.
6. Bandaids (most used item)
6. Bandaids (most used item)
Though it may seem simple, bandaids are an essential part of any first aid kit, especially when you're out in the field. These are the most frequently used item in any kit and are perfect for smaller cuts, blisters, or abrasions that you’ll likely encounter on your adventures.
7. Space Blanket
7. Space Blanket
A space blanket is compact, lightweight, and vital for emergency situations. It’s designed to trap body heat and keep you warm in the event of hypothermia, or if you’re stranded overnight. This simple item can be life saving when you're exposed to the elements in remote locations, or even if it is just unexpectedly cold.
8. Iodine for Antiseptic Use
8. Iodine for Antiseptic Use
Iodine is another powerful antiseptic that can be used to clean wounds and prevent infection. It’s especially useful for treating open cuts or abrasions when you don’t have access to advanced medical supplies
9. Pain Relievers and Medications
9. Pain Relievers and Medications
In addition to basic first aid items, it’s wise to include some pain relief and over-the-counter medications:
Panadol and Nurofen for general pain relief and inflammation.
Gastro Stop for stomach-related issues or diarrhea.
Ash Tablets for treating nausea or indigestion in case of food-related discomfort.
10. Surgical Tape for Emergency Repairs
10. Surgical Tape for Emergency Repairs
Surgical tape is not just for medical use—it can come in handy for repairing broken gear, securing dressings, or fixing items in an emergency. Its versatility makes it a great addition to your remote area first aid kit.
11. Small Scissors and Tweezers
11. Small Scissors and Tweezers
Small, sharp scissors are useful for cutting bandages, tape, or clothing in an emergency. They take up minimal space but offer a lot of utility when you need to make precise cuts quickly.
12. Crepe Bandage (Small)
12. Crepe Bandage (Small)
A small crepe bandage can be used to wrap sprains, strains, or larger wounds. It’s flexible and can be used in a variety of situations, providing both compression and support when needed.
13. Compeed Blister Bandages
13. Compeed Blister Bandages
You really want to apply these as soon as you feel a hot spot happening to prevent blisters or put one on afterwards to make it comfortable. Ideally do it before it gets to the blister stage though.
The first rule of remote Area First Aid
The first rule of remote Area First Aid
Let someone know where you are going.
Let someone know where you are going.
Packing a well-rounded remote area first aid kit is essential for any outdoor adventure. The items discussed from saline solution and gauze swabs to essential medications like pain relievers and gastro stop are the core elements every first aid kit should have. Tailoring your kit to your specific needs is important but this guide ensures you’re ready to treat minor injuries and handle emergencies in remote environments.
However, even with the best equipped first aid kit, accidents can still happen and emergencies may arise when you least expect them. That’s where the Friends Find Me hiking safety app steps in. This app is designed to give you an extra layer of safety while you’re out hiking, camping or exploring the bush. It provides an easy way to notify your emergency contacts if you don’t return at your expected time, ensuring someone always knows your whereabouts.
By combining the preparedness of a well stocked first aid kit with the proactive technology of Friends Find Me, you can focus on enjoying your outdoor adventure without worrying about your safety. Whether you’re hiking through remote trails, camping in the wilderness or simply exploring nature, these tools work together to keep you secure and connected when you need it most.
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