Accidents can happen at any time when hiking. Whether you are experienced or a beginner, a first aid kit is an essential item. It is used to treat minor injuries, but also while waiting for emergency services in the event of a more serious issue. Here is how to pack 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, a few first aid items are essential. They allow you to treat cuts, blisters, or sprains.
First aid:
- Sterile gauze swabs, in small and large sizes;
- pre-cut, waterproof plasters;
- second-skin blister plasters;
- support bandages;
- medical tape or adhesive plaster tape;
- wound closure strips for small cuts;
- triangular bandage or square piece of cloth;
- emergency survival blanket.
Good to know: an emergency survival blanket is worn with the gold side facing out to fight hypothermia, or with the silver side facing out to protect against heatstroke.
Antiseptics and hygiene
After an injury on a trek, it is important to clean wounds to prevent infection.
Antiseptics and hygiene:
- Antiseptic;
- saline solution to clean wounds or eyes;
- hand sanitiser gel or antiseptic hand rub;
- disposable latex gloves.
Basic medication
In addition to your regular medications, basic medication can be helpful for aches, pains, or minor injuries. However, they are no substitute for professional medical advice.
Basic medication:
- Painkillers, avoiding aspirin unless specifically indicated;
- anti-inflammatory cream or gel to soothe a sprained ankle;
- soothing cream for insect bites;
- anti-diarrhoeal, probiotic (yeast supplement), or antispasmodic;
- anti-UV eye drops.
Useful tools
To make administering first aid easier, a few tools are very useful.
Useful tools:
- Sturdy scissors;
- splinter tweezers;
- tick removal tool;
- safety pins;
- Swiss Army knife;
- headlamp;
- pencil and casualty assessment form.
Additional accessories
For added safety, extra accessories can complete your first aid kit.
Additional accessories:
- Dry bag for the kit;
- refuse bag for waste;
- plastic bags for vomiting or bleeding;
- hand warmers in winter;
- individually wrapped sugar cubes in case of hypoglycaemia.
When hiking in hot weather, remember to stay well hydrated and protect your body from the sun. As for your first aid kit, make sure to keep a checklist of its contents and regularly check expiry dates. Also remember to take certain items in sufficient quantities in case the hiking trip takes longer than planned.
Essential first aid rules and actions
Securing the scene
In the event of an accident while hiking, a first aid kit alone is not enough. It is equally important to know the essential first aid protocols and actions. The very first step is to secure the scene.
After an accident, check that there is no further danger, either for the casualty, yourself, or other hikers. In the event of immediate danger, such as a rockfall or fire, you may move the casualty slightly.
Assessing the casualty's condition
Once the casualty is safe, quickly assess their condition. Check that they are conscious by talking to them and gently stimulating them, and that they are breathing by watching their chest and feeling their breath.
If the casualty is breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position. If they are not breathing, you must begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Alerting the emergency services
After an initial assessment of the casualty's condition, call the emergency services if necessary. To do this, dial 112 (European emergency number) or 999. Provide the emergency services with clear details about the accident location (GPS coordinates), the number of casualties, their condition, the first aid actions already taken, and any potential hazards.
Administering first aid
Once emergency services have been contacted, carry out basic first aid. In the event of heavy bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a sterile dressing or clean cloth. To clean the wound, rinse it with saline solution and disinfect it before dressing it. In case of a sprain or fracture, immobilise the limb with a compression bandage or a sling. In the event of faintness or hypoglycaemia, lay the casualty down and give them sugar if they are conscious.
In any case, continuously monitor the casualty's condition while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Stay calm, do not move them—especially if a back or neck injury is suspected—and keep them warm with an emergency survival blanket.
A hiking first aid kit must therefore be prepared with care. For extra safety, keeping your vaccinations up to date, especially tetanus, is essential. Taking a certified first aid training course is also a great idea.
