The Bitterroot Valley is a mecca for outdoor recreational pursuit. You can hike, fish, hunt, golf, walk, bike, and run all in one place. It’s important to remember that safety is paramount for every one of these activities. And, while each activity has its own inherent dangers for which you will need to understand and prepare, one absolute necessity that will enhance your level of safety, regardless the activity, is a First Aid Kit. Here are a few tips as to how to build your own Kit.
There are store-bought First Aid Kits, which, most of the time, work just fine for most any scenario. However, some of the items sold within the kit may not be effective for rugged outdoor activities. For starters, every kit should have a series of bandages in different sizes and shapes. How many bandages is determined by how many people are relying on the kit. You will also need some antibiotic ointment, and antiseptic towelettes. Basically, if you or someone else gets a wound, you need to have the correct supplies to clean the wound, prevent the wound from becoming infected, and then protect the wound. Also helpful is duct tape—there are a variety of ways to use duct tape in outdoor scenarios—and moleskin, which is invaluable for people hiking, walking, or running with footwear that could cause blisters or hotspots. The proper tools to make a splint are useful to have, but if you are merely packing for a shorter outing, somewhere where you can get to help quickly, a bandana works just fine for a makeshift splint. Also, remember to bring a pair of latex gloves, if you must administer aid to another, of if you are in a situation where you’re concerned with infection. Tweezers and safety pins are also a necessity. Also, and maybe one of the most important items to own, a whistle or other type of signaling device. If you need help quickly, a whistle is more efficient and takes less effort than your voice.
Hopefully nothing ever happens while you are out enjoying the outdoors, but in the off-chance that anything does happen, it’s best to be prepared.
