What do I need in a survival first aid kit?
If you love adventure, then you need a well-stocked survival first aid kit to take with you, especially if you enjoy more remote areas.
Not only does it provide peace of mind…but it could save your life!
In this article, we explain what you should include on your survival first aid kit list and how your kit could help you in an emergency.
The basics
You can either build your own survival first aid kit or grab a ready-made one that’s packed with all the items you need. Let’s take a look at the basic equipment it should contain.
Bandages: As well as regular bandages, you should include a triangular bandage in your kit which can be used as a sling to support a limb or keep a dressing in place. A compression bandage is also invaluable as it can reduce pain and swelling in the case of sprains or strains and stabilise injured body parts, such as broken ribs.
Dressings: Include plenty of non-stick dressings or gauze pads and tape to fix them in place in your first aid kit.
Bandaids: Don’t forget a supply of good old bandaids for minor cuts and scrapes!
Antiseptic cream: A dollop of antiseptic cream will soothe and sanitise minor injuries.
Gloves: Nitrile gloves will not only protect your hands when you are treating someone with first aid but also ensure that you don’t contaminate any surfaces you touch.
Ice pack: No first aid kit is complete without an ice pack, which is handy for treating pain, swelling and inflammation.
Scissors: Make sure you pack scissors. You may need them to cut down dressings or bandages or even remove clothes from an injured person so you can access their wounds.
Tweezers: Keep tweezers in your survival first aid kit for removing splinters, thorns and stings.
Saline: Saline solution has many uses, from cleaning wounds to irrigating the eyes and nose.
More specialised items
If you’re heading out to a remote location, then you’ll need some specialised items in your kit. Let’s find out more.
CPR mask: A CPR mask helps prevent the spread of infection if you are giving lifesaving CPR.
Defibrillator: A defibrillator is an easy-to-use device that sends electric shocks to the heart to restore a normal rhythm when someone has experienced cardiac arrest. The device will guide you through what to do so anyone can feel confident using it.
Wound closure pack: Wound closure strips are ideal for more serious wounds. They are placed across the injury site to close it up and prevent bleeding and infection.
Tick remover tool: One thing we have in abundance in Australia is creepy crawlies, including ticks. A tick remover tool makes removing a tick from someone’s body without causing the head to break off easy.
Snake bite kit: A snake bite kit contains everything you need to deal with a snake bite immediately after it happens. It will usually contain a crepe bandage, a triangular bandage, a snake bite treatment and a snake ID card.
SMART bandage for spider bites: This SMART bandage for funnel-web spider bites and snake bites uses a visual aid to show you when the bandage is correctly tensioned.
Survival blanket: A survival blanket will help retain body heat in an injured person and protect against the weather. Because it’s reflective, it can also double up as a distress signal.
What else do I need to know about survival first aid?
If you’re in a remote area, the chances are you won’t have an internet connection, so it won’t be possible to look up first-aid tips on the spot.
That means you should take a first aid course before you head off on your adventures. It will give you the confidence to deal with minor illnesses and injuries when you’re out and about, and you’ll also know how to call for help.
Start planning your next adventure
The great outdoors is there to be enjoyed. To get the most out of it, make sure you’re well prepared for any first aid emergencies and know how to get help.
For a wide range of quality first aid kits, refills and specialised health and wellbeing items, check out the MediBC range.
We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of first aid kits for all scenarios, including survival situations.
So get stocked up and start planning your next adventure today!
Survival First Aid Kits
Compact survival, travel, and remote first aid kits for serious off-grid emergencies.
