First-Aid Kit

Picnic basket? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Hat and sunglasses? Check. A First-Aid kit should be at the top of your checklist for all of your summer outings.

Everyone looks forward to a great time on your picnics/hikes, so don't get caught unprepared for unforeseen incidents:

• Your friend slips and hurts his ankle. He is in pain and it is swelling.
• You meet someone injured on the trail, she's cut and bleeding badly.
• Your head feels like it's going to blow up from the worst headache you've ever had.

Making your own first-aid kit is quite simple (see below). However, there is an important advantage to a pre-purchased first-aid kit. It's bright red color and white cross makes it immediately recognizable in your pack when you need to retrieve it quickly. I highly recommend purchasing one and refilling it as needed.

It is your responsibility to ensure your first-aid kit is adequate. If you do choose to make your own, you'll most likely be more familiar with its contents.

How to Make Your Own First-Aid Kit

Be sure to include the following items in your kit:

• Emergency telephone numbers: EMS/9-1-1, local poison control center, personal doctor.

• First-aid and CPR manual

• An anti-bacterial ointment (such as Polysporin) or antiseptic wipes/soap.

• Pain-killer tablets with ibuprofen. Also include some with acetaminophen or Tylenol, and a few with codeine for agonizing injuries. If you have children with you, also include children's Tylenol and ipecac syrup.

• Several sizes of butterfly bandages, for closing deep cuts or wounds.

• Rolls of sterile gauze or a few packages of absorbent pads, to stop heavy bleeding

• Medical adhesive tape. Also consider the kind that sticks to itself only, and not to skin or hair. It's a lot less painful to remove.

• Scissors or a small knife or razor blade.

• Latex gloves, in case you have to help a stranger - it protects both of you.

• Strong tweezers, useful for splinters, ticks, and even porcupine quills in your dogs nose.

• Hot or cold packs (reusable or instant)- come very handy to reduce swelling after a sprain.

• Tablets for diarrhea and upset stomachs are also good to have on hand.

Check the expiration date once a year and replace expired medication.

Try treating knee and ankle sprains with neoprene bands instead of elastic bandages. They slip on easily, and you don't need any special strapping knowledge. These bands also keep the joint warm and stay in place much better. You might even want to slip them on before a long steep descent on the trail.

Other items that are very useful: hand lotion, sunscreen, insect repellent and lipbalm. Why on earth do you need hand lotion on a day hike or picnic? Being outside all day, being exposed to the sun and wind really dry out your lips, face and hands. If your lips or hands get badly chapped you will NOT be a happy hiker!