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Major First Aid Kit for Extended River Trips

Backcountry trips take place within the wilderness context (i.e., dialing 911 is not an option).  Groups must be prepared to deal with emergencies and care for the sick and injured for an extended period, from several hours up to several days.

 
First Aid Kit contents should be commensurate with your level of skill and training in First Aid.  Major First Aid Kits should contain items in the following groupings:

1.   Rescuer personal protection equipment:
Latex gloves
Eye protection
Rescue breathing mask with one way valve
 
2.   Wound care and management:
Compresses and both gauze and compression bandages
Soap, disinfectant and instruments to clean wounds
Burn dressings and treatment
Splinting materials
Scissors/shears, tweezers, needles, scalpel or razor blade
 
3.   Dental kit with (Optional but highly     recommended)
floss
wax
oil or clove
 
4.   Medical
Pain relief medication
Stomach ache and diarrhea medications
Topical anti-rash preparations
Drugs as prescribed for trip members.  Pay close attention to people with allergies, asthma and cardiovascular conditions.
Allergy treatments
Thermometer (hypo/hyper thermal)
 
5.   Any other equipment or supplies you are skilled in using, willing to carry and may be applicable to the environment.
 
 

If no one on your trip has the skills to utilize these items, you should reevaluate your decision to undertake a backcountry expedition.

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