Accidents can happen at any time when hiking. Whether you are experienced or a beginner, a first aid kit is essential. It is used to treat minor injuries, but also to manage the situation while waiting for emergency services in the event of a more serious problem. Here is how to prepare your hiking first aid kit.
What does a hiking first aid kit contain?
First aid
The contents of a hiking first aid kit vary depending on the duration and conditions of each outing. However, some basic first aid items are essential. They allow you to treat cuts, blisters and sprains.
First aid:
- Sterile gauze pads, in small and large sizes;
- plasters, pre-cut and waterproof;
- blister plasters (second skin);
- compression bandages;
- sticking plaster or adhesive tape;
- steri-strips for small wounds;
- triangular scarf or square of fabric;
- survival blanket.
Note that a survival blanket should be worn with the gold side facing outward to protect against hypothermia, or with the silver side outward to protect against heatstroke.
Antiseptics and hygiene
After a trekking injury, it is important to clean wounds to prevent infection.
Antiseptics and hygiene:
- Disinfectant;
- saline solution for cleaning wounds or eyes;
- hand sanitiser gel or antiseptic solution for hands;
- latex gloves for single use.
Basic medicines
In addition to your regular medication, some basic medicines can be useful for pain or minor injuries. They do not, however, replace medical advice.
Basic medicines:
- Analgesics, avoiding Aspirin unless indicated;
- anti-inflammatory cream or gel to relieve a sprained ankle;
- soothing cream for insect bites;
- anti-diarrhoeal, probiotic (ultra-levure) or antispasmodic;
- eye drops with UV protection.
Useful tools
To assist with first aid, a few tools are very useful.
Useful tools:
- Sturdy scissors;
- splinter tweezers;
- tick remover;
- safety pins;
- Swiss Army knife;
- head torch;
- pencil and assessment form.
Additional accessories
For even greater safety, accessories can complement your first aid kit.
Additional accessories:
- Waterproof bag for the kit;
- rubbish bag for waste;
- plastic bags for vomiting or haemorrhaging;
- hand warmers in winter;
- individually wrapped sugar cubes in case of hypoglycaemia.
In case of hiking in intense heat, make sure to stay well hydrated and protect your body from the sun. Regarding your first aid kit, don't hesitate to keep a list of its contents and to regularly check expiry dates. Also remember to pack certain items in sufficient quantities in case the hike runs longer than planned.
First aid rules and techniques
Securing the scene
In the event of an accident while hiking, a first aid kit alone is not enough. It is also important to know the rules and techniques of first aid. The first thing to do is to secure the scene.
After the accident, make sure there is no further danger — for the victim, yourself, or other walkers. In the event of immediate danger, such as a collapse or fire, it is possible to move the victim slightly.
Assess the victim's condition
Once the victim is safe, quickly assess their condition. Check they are conscious by speaking to them and stimulating them, and that they are breathing by observing their chest and feeling their breath.
If the victim is breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position (lateral safety position). If they are not breathing, you must begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Alerting the emergency services
After an initial assessment of the victim's condition, alert the emergency services if needed. Give the emergency services clear information about the location of the accident (GPS coordinates), the number of victims, their condition, the actions already taken and any potential risks.
Performing first aid
Once the emergency services have been contacted, carry out first aid procedures. In the event of heavy bleeding, compress the wound with a gauze pad or clean cloth. To clean the wound, rinse it with saline solution and disinfect it before covering it. If there is a sprain or fracture, immobilise the bone with a compression bandage or scarf. In the event of faintness or hypoglycaemia, lay the victim down and give them sugar if they are conscious.
In all cases, continuously monitor the victim's condition while waiting for help to arrive. Stay calm, do not move them — especially if a back or neck injury is suspected — and keep them warm with a survival blanket.
A hiking first aid kit must therefore be carefully prepared. For greater safety, keeping vaccinations up to date — particularly against tetanus — is important. Taking a first aid course such as the PSC1 (Prévention et Secours Civiques de niveau 1) can also be a good idea.
