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First-Aid Checklist
If you’re headed outdoors, you should always carry either a prepackaged first-aid kit or a DIY kit that you can create using our list as a guide. Knowing how to use the items in a first-aid kit is as important as having them, so consider taking a training course.
First-Aid Basic Care
Antiseptic wipes (BZK-based wipes preferred; alcohol-based OK)
Antibacterial ointment (e.g., bacitracin)
Compound tincture of benzoin (bandage adhesive)
Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
Butterfly bandages / adhesive wound-closure strips
Gauze pads (various sizes)
Nonstick sterile pads
Medical adhesive tape (10 yd. roll, min. 1" width)
Blister treatment
Ibuprofen / other pain-relief medication
Insect sting relief treatment
Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
Splinter (fine-point) tweezers
Safety pins
First-aid manual or information cards
Wraps, Splints and Wound Coverings
Elastic wrap
Triangular cravat bandage
Finger splint(s)
SAM splint(s)
Rolled gauze
Rolled, stretch-to-conform bandages
Hydrogel-based pads
First-aid cleansing pads with topical anesthetic
Hemostatic (blood-stopping) gauze
Liquid bandage
Oval eye pads
Medications/Treatments
Hand sanitizer (BKZ- or alcohol-based)
Aloe vera gel (sun exposure relief)
Aspirin (primarily for response to a heart attack)
Antacid tablets
Throat lozenges
Lubricating eye drops
Loperamide tablets (for diarrhea symptoms)
Poison ivy / poison oak treatment
Insect sting relief treatment
Glucose or other sugar to treat hypoglycemia
Oral rehydration salts
Antifungal foot powder
Prescription medications (e.g., antibiotics)
Injectable epinephrine to treat allergic reactions
Tools and Supplies
Knife (or multi-tool with knife)
Paramedic shears (blunt-tip scissors)
Safety razor blade (or scalpel w/ #15 or #12 blade)
Cotton-tipped swabs
Standard oral thermometer
Low-reading (hypothermia) thermometer
Irrigation syringe with 18-gauge catheter
Magnifying glass
Small mirror
Medical / surgical gloves (nitrile preferred; avoid latex)
CPR mask
Steel sewing needle with heavy-duty thread
Needle-nose pliers with wire cutter
Duct tape (small roll)
Small notepad with waterproof pencil or pen
Medical waste bag (plus box for sharp items)
Waterproof container to hold supplies and meds
Emergency heat-reflecting blanket
Headlamp (preferred) or flashlight
Whistle (pealess preferred)
Personal locator beacon
Satellite messenger
Personal Care, Other Items
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Insect repellent (plus headnet, if needed)
Hand sanitizer
Biodegradable soap
Water-treatment chemicals
Collapsible water sink or basin
This creates a private checklist in your account.