Heading out to enjoy a nearby trail or some of the natural wonder Australia offers? No matter where you live, you’re always nearby a scenic vista to enjoy on a fun and exciting day trip. Day trips mark one of the easiest ways to get out, get active, and have fun. Preparing for your trek ahead of time means you’ll need to pack a variety of supplies. And your pack should always contain a well-stocked first aid kit.

First aid kits give you a first line of defense in the face of an accident or potentially dangerous system. Having a fall, scratch, or other accident can sometimes happen while you’re out in the wild. This is bad enough already – but it’s even worse if you don’t have the proper first aid supplies.

So, what should you bring along in your first aid kit to make sure you have all your bases covered? Have a look below at some essential supplies and tips to help you stay as safe as possible during your day trek.

First Step: Announcing Your Plan Loud and Clear

First aid kit hikingThis point is important if you’re going out on a trek by yourself. Before you even head out the door of your home, there’s one critical thing you should do. That’s letting someone else know the following:

  1. Where you’re going
  2. When you plan to return

Obviously having your first aid supplies should remain a priority for you. But you also should ensure that others know what you’re doing. If you get injured and can’t move, your first aid kit can stabilise you. But that won’t help you get back to your car and get further medical help.

Your Must-Have First Aid Checklist

These are the bare minimum items you should keep in your first aid kit at all times. When combined, these items cover many common injuries you could endure while out on a trek.

  • Fabric Strips: Preferably you want adhesive strips.
  • Medical Tape: Paper tape adheres to larger bandages.
  • Other Bandages: Always opt for an assortment of large and small bandages and dressings.
  • Alcohol Swabs: Essential item for disinfecting cuts, scrapes, and wounds.
  • Antiseptic: Antiseptic sprays make application easier.
  • Saline Solution: Debrides wounds from dirt or debris – usually available in small pods.
  • Cold Packs: Helpful items in case of sprains or muscle injuries.
  • Burn Dressing and Gel: Necessary items if you’re burned.
  • Thermal Blanket: These items can keep you warm if stuck in the wild at night.
  • Eye Shower Liquid: Easy method to flush your eyes.
  • Sunscreen: A vital item to wear on your skin at all times.
  • Disposable Gloves: A barrier protecting your hands – usually you want hypoallergenic nitrile.
  • Safety Pins: Perfect for all sorts of uses in first aid situations.
  • Torch: Another convenient tool for many uses.
  • Splints: Stabilises body parts in case of a break or severe sprain.
  • Knife and Trauma Scissors: Quickly cut and remove fabric to treat a wound.

Items like bandages and dressings vary in both size and shape. You should always keep several types of these dressings in your kit. That way, you’ll always have the dressings to treat many types of wounds and injuries.

To make it easier for you, you can also opt for a pre-packaged kit. Many first aid kits are specialised for hikes, treks, and camping. They include all of the essential items listed in this checklist.

Also, Remember Information Kits

A good first aid kit also includes vital information for medical treatment. When you’re out in the wild, your mobile phone may not work. And this can leave you confused about how to treat an injury.

Always carry information kits with the following:

  • CPR Guide
  • Basic Emergency First Aid
  • Snake ID Guide and First Aid
  • Note Pad with Pen for Logging Injuries

Packing a First Aid Kit with Limited Space

As you already know, you must also conserve space as much as you can during a day hike. You’re not going on a multi-week camping trip, so you probably only have a pack or bag to fit everything. This often means that you have to make the most out of your limited space.

Here are a few tips for packing a first aid kit that’s perfect for smaller spaces.

  1. Carry a smaller first aid kit (for 1-2 people).
  2. Split first aid supplies and kits between people.
  3. Include only single use pain relief medicine and bandages (not full-size bottles/boxes).

In many cases, you can find kits that are pre-made for hikes and day treks. These are often smaller in size so that you can carry them more easily.

Don’t Forget to Restock Your First Aid Kit!

One final point: keep your first aid kits restocked at all times! It’s easy to buy a kit, use it sometimes, and forget to refill it. But this makes for a risky situation when you don’t have what you need in the future.

Always take the time to take an inventory of your first aid stock before you hit the trails. And refill with more items to complete the above checklist.

Quality First Aid Supplies a Must for Safety

First aid kit HikingDay hikes are certainly a fun time for you and your friends. But all it takes is a split second and you might find yourself in trouble. Staying prepared is the key to your safety while you’re out on a hike. And as you read above, this comes when you have the right first aid supplies.

Of course, supplies are only one-half of the equation for your safety. You also need to make sure you have high-quality first aid supplies. Cheap or poorly made first aid kits and dressings could put you at a higher risk. Being unprepared is the last thing you want to endure when you’re out in the field.

Rather than risk your safety, choose quality kits and supplies from the get-go. MediBC first aid kits and supplies are your top choice for premium products. We bring you pre-made first aid kits for hiking, trekking, camping, and more. And you can always expect the best in quality – at affordable prices.

Don’t put you or your loved ones at risk while on a hike! Keep yourself prepared with a well-stocked trekking travel or camping first aid kit and all the supplies you need from MediBC.