As a Remote Medical International instructor, I always carry a proper first aid kit with me when traveling. No matter where we work or adventure, the bare minimum in our first aid kits should include the tools to control bleeding, support breathing, and perform CPR. I have had the opportunity to put my kit to use recently, traveling Kauai’s Kalalau Trail. This rugged trail that traverses along the steep cliffs of the Napali Coast. The lure of this trail is the paradise beach setting, but one must first make it through flash floods zones and slick, muddy trail. My partner, Ben, and I had planned a 4-day backpacking trip in the area.
Unfortunately, not far into the hike, Ben kicked a rock with his Chaco-clad foot. Sure enough, there was quite the avulsion of skin atop his big toe and the nail was bent backward. Our biggest concern then became protecting the wound from infection. We quickly pulled out our first aid kit to find a syringe, irrigation cap, 4×4 gauze, and athletic tape. We did the best we could on the scene to debride the wound using the syringe and about a half liter of drinking water, then mustered a bandage strong enough to withstand the upcoming miles of the Kalalau Trail.
Top 10 First Aid Kit Items
Here are the top 10 absolute-must-have medical supplies Remote Medical International instructors carry in their kits:
- Gloves/Eye Protection
- CPR Pocket Mask
- Tourniquet
- Roller Gauze
- 4×4 Gauze Pads
- Medical Tape
- Two Triangular Bandages
- Sam Splint
- Elastic Bandage
- Trauma Shears
For more remote environments and projects, consider also adding the following items necessary for managing wounds:
- 20 mL Syringe & Irrigation Cap
- Steri-strips
- Benzoin Tincture
- Biodegradable Soap
- Opposite Flexi-grip film
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