Hiking can be one of the most wonderful activities you can pursue; physical activity in beautiful surroundings; exploring new places; breathing in fresh air. Unfortunately it can also be one of best places to experience a myriad of injuries. Because of the nature of the activity – traveling, sometimes solo, in a secluded setting – it is absolutely imperative to carry a first aid kit for hiking.

A first aid kit for hiking includes a number of important things and should be carried with you at all times. Make sure the container is lightweight and easily transportable as you will more than likely carry it with your other supplies in your backpack.

Some inclusions in your first aid kit for hiking should be bandages of all sizes including gauze and tape, alcohol or other antiseptic for cleaning wounds, antibiotic cream, pain relievers, a small pair of scissors, bug repellant, and sanitary wipes.

If you take any medications on a daily basis, be sure to bring them with you just in case. Keep extra medications in your first aid kit for hiking so that you’re always prepared.

First and foremost, in addition to your comprehensive first aid kit for hiking, anyone hiking should always carry a cell phone on them at all times; especially when traveling alone. Alert friends and family about where you’ll be and what time you’ll be back; that way someone will know where to find you if you’ve been gone an excessive amount of time.

A first aid kit for hiking is one of the most important things you can bring with you to ensure an enjoyable, successful hike. Preparedness will save you time, inconvenience, and possibly even your life.

Take the steps necessary to assemble a first aid kit for hiking by visiting some outdoor sporting stores. Many will sell a pre-assembled first aid kit for hiking in a lightweight container easily stored in a backpack. Shopping online will also yield you a number of first aid kits of appropriate size.

Or if you wish to assemble one yourself then just look for the appropriate container and begin purchasing the necessary items specific to you.

Either way, a first aid kit for hiking should be considered part of your hiking equipment. Never leave home without it and you’ll never be caught off guard.

The funny thing about emergencies is that you never know when they’re going to strike. But, medical emergencies, at least minor ones, can be planned for. A good first aid kit that’s well stocked can really help take the panic out of an emergency situation and help you and your loved ones get back to the business of living quick. Every home should have at least one well stocked kit to enable family members to handle minor situations that arise.

A first aid kit in a home should be put in a location that’s agreed upon by everyone. If it contains items that might be dangerous for little people, keep the kit out of their reach. But, do make sure family members who can use and benefit from it know its whereabouts.

When stocking a first aid kit for a home, it’s important to include basic items. The list includes:

Band-Aids. You should have several sizes of bandages included in a good first aid kit. It’s hard to tell when these will be needed and how large they need to be, so multiple choices help you cover your bets. Burn cream. Burns happen at home. There’s no way around it. Whether it’s from cooking or lighting a fire, they just happen. A good, medical grade burn cream included in a first aid kit can help take the sting out of the situation. Speaking of stings, bee stings, mosquito bites and other such insect run-ins can be real problems around the home. Inasmuch, a good kit should include anti-itch cream to help combat the effects of these critters. Peroxide. If a wound is present, it should be properly cleaned out. Peroxide is therefore a smart thing to include. Aspirin or baby fever reducer. If you don’t think these things belong in a kit, trying being up at 3 in the morning with a little one who has a high fever. If the medicine is kept in the first aid kit, you always know where to find it. Cold compresses. Sprains, strains and so on can require fast treatment to help avoid swelling. These portable first aid kit created compresses are wonderful for getting the job done and they are easier to bring with you if an emergency room visit is in order. Butterfly bandages. These are vital to include. These close small wounds effectively until medical treatment can be sought out.

Depending on any special needs in your home, you might need to have other items in your first aid kit. A home with a diabetic, for example, might want a glucose shot for crash emergencies and one with a small child might require lotion for diaper rash and so on.

Store bought first aid kits are great, but the ones that really pay off are those that have enough room for you to add items you think are important. Medical needs in each home can differ, so first aid kits should not be one size fits all.

When we think of the items that should be kept in vehicle first aid kits, a few common wound care supplies come to mind:

Antiseptic cleansing wipes Plastic adhesive bandages Butterfly closure strips Antibiotic ointment Burn relief cream

Since the purpose of an automobile first aid kit is to be prepared for unexpected situations, you may want to ensure that your vehicle is stocked with these less obvious safety supplies to ensure preparedness in different types of emergencies:

First aid tape, cotton tipped applicators and gauze in a range of sizes: While the basic wound care supplies mentioned above are important to keep in any vehicle first aid kit, having gauze in a variety of sizes as well as other wound care supplies provides the ability to treat wounds of varying severity. Instant cold compresses: An instant cold compress is a small pack that becomes extremely cold and acts as an ice pack when activated. An instant ice pack can be used to alleviate swelling when ice is not available, as is usually the case in roadside emergencies. Emergency blanket: Emergency blankets use reflective foil to trap body heat and maintain optimal body temperature in cold environments. Emergency blankets can be life savers in the event that you get stranded with no heat in frigid winter temperatures. Disposable gloves: Disposable gloves such as latex gloves, vinyl exam gloves or disposable nitrile gloves protect against the spread of germs when administering or receiving first aid. Gloves help prevent the spread of germs from the hands to a wound and vice versa in an emergency situation.

A vehicle first aid kit may not be something you think about often, but having the right medical supplies on hand to deal with unpredictable circumstances is an important part of vehicle safety. While we recommend keeping a complete first aid kit in your vehicle to prepare for emergencies, we also hope you never have to use it!

As traveling with pets becomes increasingly more frequent a practice, the number of pets injured while away from home is steadily escalating. When a cat or dog is unfamiliar with its surroundings, the animal may be more prone to various types of injuries, especially if the animal is particularly curious and overly inquisitive. Common pet travel injuries and illnesses include: insect stings, motion sickness, pet allergies, cuts, scrapes, and swallowing foreign objects. More serious injuries such as poisoning, infection, and broken bones may also occur.

Pet travel will become a much safer and more rewarding experience once pet owners are better equipped to handle emergency situations. Both knowledge of first aid, and the equipment available to facilitate such care are essential to ensure the best possible outcome for an injured pet. It is best to keep in mind the goals of administering pet first aid: first, to prevent further injury, and second, to minimize discomfort until the animal can be safely transported to a veterinarian.

These objectives determine much of what should be included inside a pet first aid kit. A dog or cat with a preexisting condition or illness may require the presence of additional items. The pet owner should decide what tools, medicines, and equipment to add depending upon their pet’s specific needs. All items should be stored in a waterproof container that can be closed securely.

Sample items in a pet first aid kit may include:

- Pet information card with pet’s current health information, veterinarian’s address and telephone number. Also include poison control hotline number.

- Latex gloves, cotton swabs, and hand wipes

- Rectal thermometer, and lubricating jelly pack

- Scissors, tweezers, nail clippers, oral syringe

- Triple antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream

- Sterile eye flush, eyedropper

- Old necktie (for making a muzzle)

- Bandaging materials (gauze squares and bandage tape)

- Clean towel

- Spare collar and leash

- Pet first aid booklet

Remember to package spillable items in leak-proof plastic bags, and rotate items so that medications and ointments do not expire. Store the pet first aid kit safely away from children and pets.

In a perfect world there would be no use for a pet first aid kit, but do not procrastinate. Having the necessary tools and equipment on hand during a critical situation can make a difference in the health and safety of your pet.

However, just because a company declares its survival kit to be “emergency gear,” there’s really no guarantee that these items will actually be of good quality, or will be effective in a dire situation. There’s nothing worse than reaching for your survival kit during a power blackout in hurricane season, and realizing that the flashlights come with weak batteries.

Here are a few of the things to look for when you buy a survival kit.

The Kit Should Contain All Basic Supplies

You would be surprised at the number of kits out there that neglect to pack water. No matter what the emergency, water is one of the biggest necessities you will face.  It’s also common to have kits that don’t contain other bare essentials, like torch lights or matches.  Always look at the accompanying picture of your survival kit to determine if it has all the things you’ll need.

Items Must Be of High Quality

The items in your kit should be top of the line. Before ordering a kit, don’t hesitate to ask the company where they source their items from.  Compasses must not be mere showpieces, but must function well.  A knife must be a high quality one, with a fixed blade and sturdy handles.  Buying a poor quality kit may be cheaper, but ultimately, it all comes down to the price you’re willing to pay for your survival.

Adequate Quantity of Items

Make sure that you’re not being hoodwinked about the number of items in your kit.  Some unscrupulous companies actually add up the number of matches in the matchbox to pump up the number of items in the kit.  Make sure you have adequate quantities of the supplies before you make a purchase. A first aid package that’s part of a survival kit must contain more than a 50 ml bottle of antiseptic solution and four Band Aids.

Versatility

Your kit should contain a few things that can be used in a multitude of ways in a pinch. For instance, garbage bags and duct tape have so many uses, they are hard to count.  These don’t take up a lot of space, but can be incredibly handy. 

Expensive vs. Low Cost Ones

Low cost survival kits that seem like a bargain may have you playing Russian roulette with your life. Remember, when you finally do open your survival kit, it may be when you realize you’re out of fresh water supplies during an incoming storm, and the announcer on the TV intones that government help won’t be arriving for at least 36 hours.  Do you really want to be stuck with two packets of potable water for your family of four? 

Expiration Dates

Ask your kit supplier about the expiration dates for the items in your list. Remember, that even if they are marked as being good for five years or more, they may lose some of their longevity or potability, in harsh conditions in warehouses, or during transportation.

Easy to open

Your survival kit should be easy to open in an emergency.  This is where high quality and expensive emergency gear comes into the picture again. You don’t want to be left grappling with a bag zipper, in an emergency.

Easy to Use

Emergency survival gear can range from basic kits that are designed for use by those who have little experience surviving the great outdoors, to full-scale, ultra sophisticated, military-style kits that can require some skill to use.  If your idea of survival is doing without the air conditioner in autumn, you are probably better off with a simple and basic kit that doesn’t requite high-end expertise to use.

Buy More Than One Kit Depending Your Needs

There can’t be a single survival kit that can prepare you for everything from a power breakdown to a biological attack.  It’s always best to customize your requirements at different points, with a choice of two or more survival kits.  For instance, if you are an avid trekker, you’ll probably need more than one wilderness survival kit, in addition to a basic survival kit.  Besides, it’s a wise idea to have a kit each in your home, car and office.

Emergency kits are extremely important to have on hand in the event of an emergency. They provide you with the tools you need without having to try to find anything in the throws of a major emergency. With emergency kits, you can just grab the bag and have whatever you need at your fingertips – providing you have those things in your kit. Let’s take a look at the 10 items every emergency kit should have, whether it is in your car or your home.

1. First Aid Kit – a first aid kit has the medical supplies that you will need in the event of an emergency. Be sure that you purchase a good first aid kit that has more than just Band-Aids in it. It should have band-aids, gauze, tape, scissors, antiseptic, alcohol pads, and topical analgesic, just for starters. You can also ensure you have some splint material and a sling or two to fashion splints or slings. Be sure that if you use any items from the first aid kit that you replenish it right away.

2. Radio and batteries – a radio and batteries will provide you information if your power goes out. Leave the batteries out of the radio; just tape them to the radio so they don’t get lost.

3. Flashlight and batteries – in the event of an emergency, you may need light, whether it’s to change a flat tire or navigate bumpy terrain after a major emergency. Once again, don’t leave the batteries in the flashlight – tape them to the handle so you can easily find them when you need to install them.

4. Candles, waterproof matches and a lighter – candles provide more than just light – they can also warm up a small space, such as the cab of a vehicle or a small room.

5. Blanket – there are plenty of blankets for sale that wrap up into a nice, tight little bundle and are specifically for emergency kits. It’s a good idea to have a few on hand, in case there are extra people who require a blanket.

6. Bottled water – keeping a few bottles of water in your kit will ensure that you have something to drink if there is a catastrophe, or for other uses too; such as your car overheating and needing water to get the rest of the way home.

7. Energy bars and other non-perishable foods – keeping a few bars and some extra food that aren’t perishable are a good idea as well. Be sure that you use foods that are easy to open and don’t require a can opener. Energy bars are a good meal replacement if you can’t get to food for a few days. You can also include a small bottle or packets of vitamin supplements.

8. Cash – for both home and cars, it’s a good idea to have some emergency cash on hand. It’s your kit, so go with what you feel comfortable with. One hundred dollars is suitable – remember if there’s a major emergency, you may not be able to use your debit or credit cards.

9. Pencil and paper – keeping a pencil and paper in your kit is a good idea in case you need to write down important information that you hear on the radio. In a vehicle, you may need to write down information pertinent to your location, or information regarding the emergency, such as a major collision.

10. Cell phone – If you already have a cell phone, that should be fine, but you can invest in a pay-as-you-go plan if you don’t. A cell phone can come in handy regardless of the type of emergency – you should always have one with you in a vehicle in case of break down, collision or an emergency.

Being prepared for an emergency will make a big difference in how you react and act in the event. Having a proper emergency kit will help you have the tools you need and you will find that you are much calmer knowing that you are prepared to handle the event.

With vacation time at hand and more activities taking place, a well-stocked first-aid kit, kept within easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Having supplies gathered ahead of time will help you handle an emergency at a moment’s notice. Make sure that you and your family are prepared to treat the most common injuries, and emergencies that will take place over the summer.

This is also the beginning of the storm season. After a quiet start to 2009 Hurricane season, three storms have started in just 30 hours.

You and your family’s safety depend to a large extent on what you do now, before there is a storm on your horizon. Planning and preparation are the two most powerful survival tools at your disposal, and it is simply unwise not to make full use of them. To this end, be sure to have a comprehensive first aid / emergency kit close by.

A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment necessary to provide immediate care to an injured or ill person before treatment by medically trained personnel. The kit will be made up of different contents depending on the place where the kit will be used and the number of persons it needs to protect. Will it just be your family at the cottage, or will there be extra guests?

It is recommended that your first aid kit be assembled in a clean, waterproof container to keep the contents safe and aseptic. Most kits come in durable plastic boxes, fabric pouches or in wall mounted cabinets. The type of container will vary depending on where they will be used and will range in size from pocket sized through to large backpacks. A wall mounted first aid cabinet would be perfect at home or cottage, but a fabric bag would be better suited in your vehicle.

First aid kits available through your local stores are generally intended for treatment of very minor injuries only. Typical contents include adhesive bandages, gauze and a disinfectant. Specialized first aid kits are available for various locations and activities, and will focus on specific risks related to that activity.

For example, first aid kits designed for use in a boat will contain seasickness remedies. Kits designed for industrial applications will contain burn medication and a suitable infection barrier for performing artificial respiration. They will also have larger quantities of supplies to treat multiple victims.

Trauma injuries, such as bleeding from cuts and scrapes, bone fractures or burns, are usually the main focus of most first aid kits designed for the home; however these kits are also practical for use while traveling, at the cottage or during a disaster related evacuation. These kits will include:

Adhesive bandages

Adhesive tape

Sterile Dressings (applied directly to wound)

Sterile eye pads

Sterile gauze pads

Antiseptic wipes or sprays

Sterile non-adherent pads, containing a non-stick Teflon layer

Triple antibiotics

Bandages (non-sterile for securing dressings)

Gauze roller bandages

Elastic bandages (used for sprains)

Triangular bandages (used as slings, tourniquets and to tie splints)

Blood stoppers, to promote clotting for severe bleeding.

Butterfly closure strips (to close wounds)

CPR mouth piece

Splints, to stabilize broken bones

Burn dressing (sterile pad, soaked in a cooling gel)

Gloves (disposable)

Trauma shears, for cutting clothing and general use

Tweezers

Alcohol pads (sterilizing equipment)

Flashlight

Instant-acting chemical cold packs

Alcohol rubs or antiseptic hand wipes (hand sanitizer)

Thermometer

Emergency blanket

First Aid Booklet (Read the entire booklet so you’ll understand how to use the contents of your kit) 

It is an excellent idea to include Aspirin, primarily used for central medical chest pain, as an anti-coagulant and Acetaminophen for pain relief.

Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Ibuprofen can also be used in the case of a strained joint.

Don’t forget extra prescription medications if you are going away for your vacation.

Remember to check the contents of all of your kits regularly and replace the items that have been used before you need them again.

While there is no way to predict when and where an injury or natural disaster may occur, being prepared with the proper first aid and emergency gear will give you and your family a much better chance of getting through the difficult times.

Knowing dog first aid skills are very important, just as with humans and knowing what to do in the event of an emergency may mean the difference between life and death for your dog. Dog emergencies or any other extreme medical situations require that you get your dog to the veterinarian as quickly as possible.

Of course, not every possible ailment will need professional treatment but better safe than sorry. If your dog ever receives any kind of injury it is always best that you be aware of what to do in advance (depending on what type of injury the dog has received). Different kinds of injuries require different kinds of treatments. Many kinds of injuries may require immediate medical assistance. It is a very good idea to know how to prevent any dog emergencies, treat various minor injuries with first aid and just when you need to seek immediate veterinary assistance and care.

In case an emergency ever were to happen it is easy to prepare for it in advance by creating your own dog first aid kit. It is very easy to create. Good ideas for containers could be a lunch box, a tackle box or some other shoe box sized plastic container. Water-proof and strong enough to withstand mild pressure is the best idea.

It would be a great idea to label the first aid kit on all sides with something such as “Dog First Aid Kit”. It’s also a very good idea to list a description of your dog(s) including it’s name, color, weight, any health issues, distinguishing characteristics with a recent photo labeled with the name of every pet that you own.

An index card with the numbers of your local veterinarian, poison control, and other canine emergency numbers for your dog (emergency vet, etc) is also a good thing to include in the dog first aid kit. Here is a list of several items you should put in your dog first aid kit with brief explanations as to what each item is for. Remember, your dog’s health may depend on it.

Dog First Aid Kit Basic Ingredients List:

Activated charcoal: for poisonings (1 gram per pound, mixed with water),

Antihistamine tablets: for insect stings and allergic reactions,

Betadine or Nolvasan: cleaning open wounds,

Blankets: several if possible, to help prevent against shock in the event of an accident or injury as well as a good way to transport an injured dog,

Blunt nosed scissors: to cut tape and clip. Keep these scissors with the kit.

Canine rectal thermometer: to take the dog or puppies temperature,

Cortisone ointment: Used as a topical anti-inflammatory,

Cotton balls and swabs: Used mainly to clean wounds,

Eyedropper or dosage syringe: to apply medications to your dog,

Eyewash: to irrigate the eyes of your dog,

First-aid cream: to sooth and protect wounds,

Gauze bandage: for wrapping wounds,

Gloves: both thin plastic to avoid contamination and thicker ones if you have a fear of being bitten,

Hand towels: to dry hands, for clean up, etc.,

Hydrogen peroxide (3%): has various uses, one of which is to induce vomiting,

Kaolin and pectin: to help diarrhea (1 teaspoon per 10 pounds),

Magnifying glass: to help locate any tiny objects

Muzzle: even the best dog may bite when in extreme pain. If you don’t have one you can also make one from strips of soft long fabric, tube socks, etc.,

Nail clippers: best case scenario, have both human and canine nail clippers,

Non-stick adhesive tape: to help tape bandages in place,

Non-stinging antiseptic spray: to help clean wounds,

Pepto-Bismol , Maalox or Kaopectate: to help relieve minor stomach upsets,

Petroleum jelly: for use with the rectal thermometer, also an aid in constipation (1/2 teaspoon per 10 pounds),

Saline solution: can be used for many things such as irrigating wounds,

Stretch bandages: for wound dressing,

Styptic pencil: to stop minor bleeding,

Syrup of Ipecac: used to induce vomiting (1 teaspoon per 20 pounds),

Tweezers or hemostat: use to pull our splinters or other small foreign objects,

Vegetable oil: for mild constipation (1 teaspoon per 5 pounds, mix it in with food)

If you can think of other items to add to your dog first aid kit, feel free to do so. This list is just a place to get you started in creating your own dog first aid kit.

Any of the following symptoms or injuries require IMMEDIATE medical action from your veterinarian. Contact your vet immediately if your dog or puppy has any of the following:

Been hit by a vehicle,

No pulse or heart beat,

Broken bones,

Puncture wounds to the abdomen or chest,

Spurting blood,

Bleeding from nose or mouth,

Bloated abdomen,

Repeated vomiting,

Pale gums,

Diarrhea for more than 18 hours,

Muscle tremors,

Problems with breathing or swallowing,

Refusal to eat for 48 hours,

Seizures or disorientation,

Unusual swellings (especially ones that are sudden, hard or fast growing)

In any emergency situation try and keep as calm as possible and to get your dog to the veterinarian as quickly as possible. If anything ever happens, call first to see if the office is open, and to let the vet know what has happened and that you and your dog are on your way.

If your veterinarians office is not open for whatever the reason, call your nearest emergency vet clinic. Always keep all emergency phone numbers, including those of your veterinarian and emergency veterinarian clinic, near your telephone.

Whether you plan to have a week-long hike or just a day adventure in the wilderness, you need to be prepared for an emergency. You will not know when you might slip on the rocks, or be attacked by wild animals. Preparing a wilderness survival kit is the best idea to start from.

Your personal wilderness survival kit must be small and compact enough so that it does not become a burden and can easily be carried on your body.  Pack only essential items that can help you survive an unexpected situation. Here are some of my suggested items:

1.Spark-Lite. This device is capable of starting a fire. It’s not complicated to use and very small and light. With a size of 58×7x7 mm and a weight of 5 grams; it’s not bigger than bundled small wooden matches that can be contained into a standard match container. Despite the size, it has the ability of producing a lot of sparks; approximately a hundred sparks.  

2.Matches. There are windproof and waterproof types. Waterproof matches are commonly used which are wooden kitchen matches that are dipped in paraffin. There are also matches that cannot be extinguished even in the strongest rain and winds. These matches are mainly useful since fire is a very important aspect of survival. Fire has many uses from giving warmth and heat to signaling.

3.Fire Sticks. These sticks are also useful for fireplaces and campfires and on emergency situations when you need a flare, light and heat. They leave no odor, they are non-toxic and still ignites even when submerged in water.

4.Compass. This will keep you move in a straight line when your searching for food, shelter, water and warmth. There can be instances that you’ll get lost in the wilderness and your compass can be useful in looking for a distant object, reach it and look for other directions.

5.Mirror and Whistle. Mirrors are useful to reflect sunrays and draw attention to yourself. You can blow the whistle as a signal also. These two items can make yourself visible to your rescuers.

Other items that can include the survival kit are flashlights, batteries, knives, gloves, safety goggles, first aid kit and supplies. Your personal survival kit need not to be fully packed; it can contain just few but very functional items. Remember that this kit will not be the only key to survival in the wilderness but your mindset that you can survive even the slightest danger ahead.

It’s always a good idea to keep a first+aid+kit within reach at all times.? Sometimes having a couple will help out a lot more when you need one.? You never know what can happen,?or where you’ll end up.? All of this information is useful to everyone:?

First aid and survival is needed wherever you go.? This – survival manual – is made available to the tax payers of the United States Of America by the US ARMY.? Something can go wrong at any time.? Keep you and or your family safe with first aid supplies and survival knowledge.? Having supplies ready before hand, or keeping your first+aid+kit at reach will help you handle an emergency without wasting too much time, resulting in less of a serious injury. You should keep at least one first aid kit in your home, and a first aid kit for your car.? If you have other motor vehicles, it would be a good idea to keep an auto first aid kit on that vehicle as well.? There are plenty of small first aid kits you can buy for your extra vehicles, so it doesn’t cost you so much to be prepared for an emergency.? Choose a first aid kit that will be easy for you to use. ? You may want to keep the following items in mind for your home first aid kit – travel first aid kit – sports first aid kits – etc.? Please check your list of items and see if you need to replace them in your first+aid+kit.? You never know when you will need it again.? Or, the items may have expired.?

first-aid manual, sterile gauze, adhesive tape, adhesive bandages in several sizes, elastic bandage, antiseptic wipes, soap, triple-antibiotic ointment, antiseptic solution, hydrocortisone cream (1%), acetaminophen and ibuprofen, extra prescription medications, tweezers, sharp scissors, safety pins, disposable instant cold packs, calamine lotion, alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol, thermometer, plastic gloves (at least 2 pairs), flashlight and extra batteries, mouthpiece for administering CPR, your list of emergency phone numbers.