First-Aid Checklist
Basic care: Prepackaged first-aid kits available at REI typically contain many of the following items:
Antiseptic wipes (benzalkonium chloride (BZK)-based wipes preferred; alcohol-based OK)
Antibacterial ointment (e.g., bacitracin) Blister treatment (e.g., Moleskin, 2nd Skin, Glacier Gel)
Tincture of benzoin (bandage adhesive) Ibuprofen/other pain-relief medication
Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred) Insect-sting relief treatment (e.g., AfterBite)
Butterfly bandages/adhesive wound-closure strips Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
Gauze pads (various sizes) Splinter (fine-point) tweezers
Nonstick sterile pads Safety pins
Medical adhesive tape (10-yd. roll, min. 1" width) Comprehensive first-aid manual or information cards
Comprehensive care: Carry all of the basic items listed above; add items below based on anticipated needs.
Note: The list below is intentionally extensive; rarely will a single kit include every item shown here.
Wound coverings
Rolled gauze First-aid cleansing pads with topical anesthetic
Rolled, stretch-to-conform bandages Hemostatic (blood-stopping) gauze
Elastic wrap Liquid bandages
Hydrogel-based pads Oval eye pads
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Medications/treatments
Hand sanitizer (BKZ- or alcohol-based) Poison ivy/poison oak preventative
Aloe vera gel (sun exposure relief) Poison ivy/poison oak treatment
Aspirin (primarily for response to a heart attack) Glucose or other sugar to treat hypoglycemia
Antacid tablets Oral rehydration salts (e.g., CeraLyte)
Throat lozenges Antifungal foot powder
Lubricating eye drops Prescription medications (e.g., antibiotics)
Loperamide tablets (for diarrhea symptoms) Injectable epinephrine to treat allergic reactions
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Tools
Knife (or multi-tool with knife) Medical/surgical gloves (nitrile preferred; avoid latex)
Paramedic shears (blunt-tip scissors) Triangular cravat bandage
Safety razor blade (or scalpel w/#15 or #12 blade) Steel sewing needle with heavy-duty thread
Finger splint(s) Needle-nose pliers with wire cutter
SAM splint(s) Headlamp (preferred) or flashlight
Cotton-tipped swabs Whistle (pealess preferred)
Standard oral thermometer Duct tape (small roll)
Low-reading (hypothermia) thermometer Small notepad with waterproof pencil or pen
Irrigation syringe with 18 gauge catheter Medical waste bag (plus box for sharp items)
Magnifying glass Waterproof container to hold supplies and meds
Small mirror Emergency heat-reflecting blanket
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Personal-care, other items
Sunscreen Biodegradable soap
Lip balm Water-disinfection system
Insect repellent (plus headnet, if needed) Collapsible water sink or basin
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Selected from a more extensive list published in the book Medicine for the Outdoors by Dr. Paul S. Auerbach.
© 2000, 2009 REI
