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.

This list is intentionally extensive so you don’t forget anything. It also includes emergency essentials that you might carry separately from a kit.

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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

Related Articles

How to Choose a First Aid Kit

Blister Prevention and Care

How to Identify and Treat Altitude Sickness

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SUPPLY CHECKLIST

This checklist is by no means comprehensive, but a basic overnight first aid kit should include the following items:

• Bandages: Assorted sizes for small cuts, blisters, etc.
• 4-inch closure strips or butterfly closures: For closing large wounds. 4-inch strips are more effective than butterfly.
• 4 inch by 4 inch sterile dressing pads (5 to 10): To apply pressure to a wound and stop bleeding
• Non-adherent sterile dressing (2 inch by 2 inch): Use these or Second Skin to cover blisters, burns or lacerations.
• Gauze roll: Holds dressing in place.
• Small roll of 1-inch adhesive tape: Holds dressings in place.
• Multi-use tool or knife: Should include knife, scissors. A scalpel and blade are also useful for first aid.
• Forceps or tweezers: For removing splinters, ticks, and removing debris from wounds.
• Scissors: Trauma scissors, which have a blunt end to protect the patient, can be used for cutting away clothing from injury, cutting medical tape, etc.
• Thermometer: Digital is generally more accurate, but batteries do wear out.
• Malleable splint: Lightweight foam-covered aluminum, such as a SAM splint.
• Irrigation syringe (35 cc): Used to flush and clean wounds.
• Suction syringe (65 cc): Used to clear mouth of fluids when giving CPR.
• Safety pins: Can help remove splinters, fasten arm sling, or make a hole in a plastic bag for improvised wound irrigation.
• Cotton-tip swabs: For removing  foreign objects from eye, or applying antibiotic ointment.
• Resealable plastic bags: Many uses, including icing a swollen joint or creating wound irrigation device.
• ACE, Coban, or other rubberized bandage: Can be used as outer wrap on splints, wound dressings or support for joint injuries. Be careful not to wrap too tightly.
• Antiseptic towlettes: For cleaning small wounds.
• Cleansing pads with lidocaine: For cleaning. Includes a topical anesthetic for abrasions, stings, etc.
• Topical antibiotic ointment: For application to wounds. Simple Vaseline can also be used in dressing a wound.
• Moleskin: Prevents blisters. Cut and apply a section to your foot as soon as you discover a “hot spot.” Duct tape also works for this purpose.
• Povidone Iodine USP 10 percent, 1 oz.: For preventing infection. Bottled PVD iodine 10 percent solution should be diluted to a ratio of 1 percent or less for flushing wounds.
• Aloe vera gel: Found in packets or small bottles for relief of minor burns.
• Pain relievers, including aspirin and Ibuprofen: Provides relief for minor aches and pains, reduces fever, helps reduce inflammation of sprains and other injuries.
• Antihistamines: For relief of pollen allergies, or to reduce reaction to bites and stings.
• Immodium 2 mg capsules or tablets: For relief of diarrhea from intestinal infections.
• Pepto Bismol or antiacid tablets: For relief from general diarrhea, abdominal upset.
• After Bite or hydrocortisone cream USP 1 percent: Relieves skin irritation from bites, poison oak, stings, or allergic reactions.
• Latex or nitrile gloves: Protects against blood-borne diseases and infection.
• CPR microshield mask: A compact flexible barrier with a one-way valve for rescue breathing, which protects user from blood, vomit or saliva.
• Oral rehydration salts: Packet of electrolyte salts and glucose for treatment of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or loss of fluids from vomiting or diarrhea.
• Space bag/blanket: Lightweight emergency shelter. For treating hypothermia victims.
• Paper and pencil: For recording medical data such as body temperature, pulse, time and date of symptoms, injuries, medicines administered, etc. Most repackaged kits include accident report forms.