First Aid Kit

(Recommended by Jeffery Mascaro, Smile Mountain Guides)


General Disclaimer


The contents of this (overnight/expedition) first aid kit are bare bones and can be altered to preference and/or specific needs. The fundamental concept is having availability and access to some very simple tools to prevent permanent injury and death, and also to stabilize victim for rescue, should it become necessary. Though this may seem like a lot of stuff to carry in your pack, all of these tools should fit into a small compact pouch. Its weight is negligible when one considers the life-saving potential of its contents.

Notes: The BVM (Bag Valve Mask) is a separate contained device, and if you are not operating in avalanche terrain (where the likelihood of breathing emergencies/asphyxiation is highest), one could argue to remove it from the kit. If you need to perform CPR with rescue breathing, a BVM is the recommendation (of course mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-mask with a shield is a personal preference).

There are multiple suppliers for most or all of these items, including your local pharmacy. Rescue Essentials is a good one with a wide selection.


Universal Precautions

  • Surgical Gloves (3 pairs)

  • Hand Sanitizer (2 oz. container)

  • Face Mask (N95, Surgical, Cloth)

  • Bio Hazard Bags

  • Extra Zip Lock Bags


Wound Care: Dressings

  • Gauze Pads, 2” X 2” or 4” X 4” (#4-6)

  • Non-Adherent Dressing: Zeroform 1 (1” X 8”-12”)

  • Large Gauze Pad (Trauma Pad): 5” X 9”or Israeli Trauma Bandage 4”

  • Kling or Kerlix Wrap: 2”-3” (#2)

  • Steri Strips: 1/4” or tape configured into butterfly

  • Coban Wrap (Horse Wrap): 1” and 2-3”

  • Basic Band-Aids: 4-6, various sizes


Wound Care: Blisters

  • Moleskin

  • Blister Band-Aids: Hydroseal

  • Benzoin (for applying to skin to assist bandage adherence)


Wound Care: Bleeding Control


Airway

  • #28F Nasopharyngeal Airway

  • Pocket Bag Valve Mask

  • Viral Filter for BVM (American Red Cross)

  • COVID Kit for Victim: Paper Surgical Mask, Latex Gloves, Hand Sanitizer

  • 14g Needle Decompression Kit for Tension Pneumothorax (only to be used if properly trained)

  • Epinephrine: 3 cc Vial or Epipen (Vial form requires syringe and needle for administration. Vials should be stored in container that is protected from light)

Ortho

  • SAM Splint: 8-12” (mostly useful for wrist and upper extremities)

  • COBAN to wrap


Creams

  • Hydrocortisone Cream

  • Triple Antibiotic Ointment

  • Sunscreen


Allergies

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl 25mg)


Feminine

  • Tampons (3)

  • Pads (2)

  • Hair Ties


Metal Items

  • Tweezers

  • Nail Clippers

  • Scissors (small)


Additional Supplies

  • Mylar/Survival Space Blanket (Small Version)