First Aid Checklist
In the backcountry, regardless of how careful you are, there’s going to be a point at which you’re going to need a first aid. Whether it’s you or someone else, when you’re spending that much time in the outdoors, someone’s going to get hurt. It’s just the way it goes. We’ve scoured our books, checklists and the Internet to compile this comprehensive first aid checklist. Follow this checklist to make sure that you have your bases covered and that, regardless of the situation, you’ll be ready to respond to whatever needs may arise.
Did we miss anything? If so add some of your “need to haves” in the comments below!
Basic Care
Make sure that you have the basics with you at all times. Whether you’re out on a day hike or doing a multi-day backpacking trip, this first aid checklist will make sure that you can address the more basic issues that can arise while camping or backpacking.
| Antiseptic Wipes _____ | Blister Treatment _____ |
| Antibacterial Ointment _____ | Ibuprofen or other pain medication _____ |
| Tincture of Benzoin _____ | Insect-sting relief _____ |
| Adhesive Bandages _____ | Antihistamine _____ |
| Butterfly Bandages _____ | Fine Point Tweezers _____ |
| Gauze Pads _____ | Safety Pins _____ |
| Nonstick Sterile Pads _____ | First-Aid Manual _____ |
| Adhesive Tape _____ |
Comprehensive Care
Note: You’re probably going to have to pull this comprehensive kit together yourself. It’s rare to find all of these in a commercially available first aid kit. You’re also not going to want to haul this much on your back so be sure that you keep the majority of this first aid kit at camp and only bring what you think you’ll need for the areas you’re planning to cover.
Wound Coverings
| Rolled Gauze _____ | Cleaning Pads with Topical Anesthetic _____ |
| Stretch to Conform Bandages _____ | Hemostatic Gauze _____ |
| Elastic Wrap _____ | Liquid Bandages _____ |
| Hydrogel Pads _____ | Eye Pads _____ |
Medications and Treatments
| Hand Sanitizer _____ | Poison Ivy/Oak Preventative _____ |
| Aloe Gel _____ | Poison Ivy/Oak Treatment _____ |
| Aspirin _____ | Glucose Tabs _____ |
| Antacid _____ | Oral Rehydration Salts _____ |
| Throat Lozenges _____ | Antifungal Foot Powder _____ |
| Eye Drops _____ | Prescription Meds _____ |
| Anti-Diarrheal _____ | Injectible Epinepharine _____ |
Tools
| Knife _____ | Medical Gloves _____ |
| Paramedic Shears _____ | Triangle Bandage _____ |
| Razor Blade _____ | Steel Sewing Needle _____ |
| Finger Splints _____ | Heavy Duty Thread _____ |
| SAM Splints _____ | Needle Nose Pliers w/ Wire Cutter _____ |
| Cotton Swabs _____ | Headlamp _____ |
| Oral Thermometer _____ | Whistle _____ |
| Low-Reading Thermometer _____ | Duct Tape _____ |
| Irrigation Syringe _____ | Notepad and Pencil _____ |
| Magnifying Glass _____ | Medical Waste Bags _____ |
| Small Mirror _____ | Waterproof Container _____ |
| Emergency Blanket _____ |
Personal Care Items
| Sunscreen _____ | Soap _____ |
| Lip Balm _____ | Water Purification System _____ |
| Insect Repellent _____ | Water Basin _____ |
| Headnet _____ |
