Wilderness First Aid Kit
Here are some suggestions of items to have in a wilderness-ready first aid kit. This is not an all-inclusive list. This is an example based on items I carry in my kits. Note: these links are amazon affiliate links, you assist in keeping WFA education at a low cost through using these links when you purchase products from this list.
Small to Medium Group kit
This is the kit that I take with many any time I am responsible for a group. Here are some pictures of my kit. I probably have too much in it, it is almost bursting at the seams, but it works for me.
I really like these bags. I use it with my tactical military kit as well as my adventure bag. You can attach it to Molle, or stuff it in a bag. I also attach my trauma shears to the Molle on the front of the kit.
Orca Tactical MOLLE Rip-Away EMT Medical First Aid Pouch (Bag Only) (Coyote)
Aluminum Splints (1-2)
I prefer the 36″ but the 24″ ones are cheaper and work for most applications too.
Ever Ready First Aid Universal Aluminum Splint, 36 Inch Rolled, 5 Ounce
Ever Ready First Aid Universal Aluminum Splint, 24 Inch Rolled – 3 Pack
4X4 Gauze pads (5-10)
Band Aid Brand First Aid Products Tru-Absorb Sterile Gauze Sponges for Cleaning and Cushioning Wounds, Low-Lint Design, 4 inches by 4 inches, 50 Count
Fabric Bandaids 1″ X 3″ (10-15)
McKesson Sterile Tan Fabric Rectangle Adhesive Strip, 1″ x 3″, 100 Count, 1 Pack
Roller Gauze 3″ (2-3)
Ever Ready First Aid Sterile Conforming Gauze Roll Bandage – Box of 12-3 inch
Elastic Bandage either 3″ or 4″ (1) – I prefer the ones with hook closure (velcro).
Dealmed 3″ Elastic Bandage Wrap with Self-Closure – 10 Elastic Bandages, 5 Yards Stretched Compression Bandage Wrap, Wound Care Product for First Aid Kit and Medical Facilities
Dynarex Elastic Bandage with Self Closure Strip, 4″ x 5 Yards, 10 Count
BZK Wipes (5-10)
Antibiotic Ointment (5-10)
Diphenhydramine “Bendaryl” (10-20 tablets)
Ibuprofen (10-20 tablets)
Acetaminophen (10-20 tablets)
Tourniquet (1-2) – I have used all three of these types of tourniquets. The SWAT-T is nice because it is multi-purpose and can be used as a pressure bandage as well. The RATS is the easiest to self apply in my opinion. And the CAT is pretty much the standard tourniquet, but somewhat bulky. In my kit I have the SWAT-T, and then I typically carry a RAT on my person (cargo pocket), or an outer pocket of my pack, and if we are going shooting I toss in an extra CAT.
Nitrile Gloves (5-10 pairs in a ziploc)
I have a small bag with maybe 3 pairs inside my kit, and then I carry another bag with more pairs in my pack.
Sharpie permanent marker
Paper or a small notepad and a pencil.
Paracord (about 25 feet)
A glow stick
Tweezers
I have found that the ones with a flat edge work best. Such as these. While working in Moab and removing cactus spines multiple times a day I tried many types of tweezers. These were the ones that I found worked best. Well worth the 5 bucks if you are removing slivers or cactus often.
Solo to small group or EDC Kit
This is a smaller version of the other bag listed. It does not have the rip-away function from the molle but is a nice size to stuff into a day pack.
Orca Tactical MOLLE EMT Medical First Aid Utility Pouch (Bag Only) (Tan)
