First Aid Kit

Terry Murphy

ED Medical Director

Samaritan Hospital

Preparing to handle all of the multiple traumatic and non-traumatic medical emergencies that can occur in a remote site is, practically speaking, impossible. Even taking enough material to cover the most likely emergencies can tax the practical load restraints of travel. However, with these issues in mind, I have compiled the following list of the basic materials needed to manage many medical emergencies:

• disposable plastic gloves

• bandage scissors

• cuticle scissors

• pointed tweezers

• small needle nose pliers or small hemostat

• pocket knife or Leatherman tool

• pen light or flashlight (and replacement batteries) – head mounted is best

• magnifying lens

• safety pins

• disinfectant towelettes

• povidone-iodine solution (Betadine)

• antibiotic ointment (e.g. Neosporin)

• hydrocortisone cream (e.g. Cortaid)

• oral antihistamine (e.g. Benadryl/diphenhydramine)

• ibuprofen (Advil) and/or acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• baby aspirin

• anti-diarrheal tablets (e.g. Pepto Bismol or Imodium)

• Band-aids of multiple sizes

• moleskin

• paper tape

• duct tape

• 4 inch elastic (Ace) wraps

• triangular bandage/sling

• 4x4 gauze pads

• 4 inch gauze rolls

• metal eye protector/patch

• cold packs

• normal saline (salt water) solution

• butterfly/Steri strips

• EpiPen, or other auto injector of adrenalin, if known serious insect sting allergy

• sunscreen

• insect repellent

The items above will fit in a reasonable size pack for transport to remote (or not so remote) sites.

This article is intended to provide useful information, not medical advice. This information cannot, and is not meant to, replace consultation with your physician regarding your individual circumstances.