First Aid and Safety

Last Revised: March 08, 2007

First Aid Basics

In case of an injury, stop immediately! Check to make sure the injured person can be reached and treated safely. In case of a serious or unknown injury, send someone to summon help. Then, begin caring for the person, using standard first aid guidelines. If rescue is delayed or the weather dictates, build an emergency shelter. If a back or neck injury is suspected, DO NOT move the injured person unless there is danger in leaving them where they are.

Hypothermia can strike anytime the temperature is 50 degrees F or below. Watch carefully for warning symptoms - persistent or violent shivering, slurred speech, memory lapses, fumbling hands, and drowsiness. If hypothermia is suspected, stop and warm the victim immediately, using warm (not hot) liquids and additional clothing.

Safety considerations demand that you respect the following weather conditions:

Rain - keep as dry as possible. Wet clothing causes excessive body heat loss.
Blizzard - postpone your outing. If caught in a blizzard, find suitable shelter from the wind and cold. Remain there until the storm abates.
Dense fog - postpone your outing. If caught in a dense fog, proceed with extreme caution.
Lightning - leave high, exposed areas immediately. Crouch down, away from trees, caves, and cliffs.

Be very careful crossing roads, which can be the most hazardous part of a hike. When driving on narrow forest roads, be prepared for other drivers. Before the hike, tell someone where you are going, and what to do if you do not return when expected.

Know how to contact emergency and law enforcement personnel; see our "Emergencies" page.

First Aid Kits

A first aid kit should be taken on every outing. First aid kits of various sizes are available in most outdoors shops. If you want to create your own, here is a list of items to consider - the list was provided by the Red Cross with supplemental items from other sources - you'll have to modify the list based on your needs, and weight and space limitations. With increasing concern regarding the transmission of blood-borne pathogens, a pair of rubber gloves should always be included. First aid courses are taught by the Red Cross, and outing leaders are strongly encouraged to take one.

FIRST AID KIT CONTENTS - BASIC
ITEM	DESCRIPTION	SIZE	QUANTITY
Blankets	Space blanket preferred		2
Gauze pads		8" x 10"	2
Gauze pads	Sterile and non-sterile	4"	6 of each type
Gauze pads	Sterile and non-sterile	3"	6 of each type
Gauze pads	Sterile and non-sterile	2"	6 of each type
Cloth strips		2" x 2 ft.	4
Cloth strips		2" x 4 ft.	4
Cloth strips		2" x 6 ft.	4
Bandages	Rolled	1" x 10 yd.	2
Bandages	Rolled	1" x 5 yd.	2
Bandages	Rolled	3" x 5 yd.	2
Bandages	Triangular	40" x 40" x 56" or larger	2
Litter	Commercial, or poles	2" x 2" x 10 feet	1
Splints		3-7/8" x 14"	2
Splints		4-1/2" x 36"	2
Towels*	Small (for splint padding)		2
Towels*	Bath (for splint padding)		2
* or other similar materials
Ace-type bandages		2", 3", and 4"	1 of each size
Adhesive tape		1/2", 1"	1 of each size
Band-Aids		assorted	1 box
Safety pins			4 to 6
Eye pads			2
Soap	Mild		1
Ice bag or commerical cold packs			1
Wash cloths			3 or 4
Bowl or pan		1 to 2 quart	1
Syrup of ipecac			1
Activated charcoal			1
Epson salts			1
Eye cup			1
Resuscitation masks			1 or more
Disposable latex gloves	Vinyl optional		1 or more
Wound cleaning agent	Such as sealed moistened towelettes		1 or more
Scissors			1
Tweezers			1
Elastic wraps			2
Directions for requesting emergency assistance