Bivouac tip: What to put in a first aid kit?

The first aid kit is an essential item for each of your bivouac outings. Indeed, it will allow you to treat almost all types of injuries you may suffer from. It will allow you to continue your bivouac excursion or in the worst case, to provide relief while waiting for rescue.

The first aid kit must remain within reach in any situation in order to be able to quickly provide first aid, whether for yourself or for your partner(s) during a group outing.

It must be compact and usable in all circumstances.

Summary:

• The ideal contents of a first aid kit
• The little extras to plan for

  

  

 

As a general rule, the first aid kit must contain at minimum :

•  A painkiller such as paracetamol, unless medically contraindicated (aspirin or anti-inflammatories should be avoided);

•  A set of pre-cut bandages of various sizes and waterproof;

•  A set of 10 gauze pads 10*10 in individual packets;

•  A 5 cm and a 10 cm bandage, Velpeau or Nylex type ;

•  A roll of adhesive tape or equivalent;

•  Suture strips for closing superficial wounds while awaiting medical diagnosis ;

•  Liquid soap to clean a wound of dirt and associated germs;

•  "Second skin" bandages to protect a blister;

•  A soothing cream for insect bites;

•  An anti-UV eye drops;

•  Sterile saline solution sachets for eye washing; 

•  A probiotic in case of diarrhea (ultra-yeast 200 3x/day);

•  A tube of granules ARNICA 9 CH, ten granules to suck if trauma;

•  Sugar in individual packaging;

•  A tick remover, needles and scissors ;

•  A survival blanket that is sturdy and large;

•  A garbage bag for waste to bring back;

•  A waterproof bag to contain the kit.

•  A notebook + pencil to write down the time of taking medication and disinfectant tablets for water can be added.

  

  

It is possible to add other elements if you have room for them or if you plan a long outing, far from rescue services or difficult to access. The adaptation of your kit should be done according to the type of outing and route you will take may be useful in choosing elements.

You must also respect the expiration dates of medications to maintain their effectiveness. Your treating physician can also provide personalized advice on medication use. A quick visit to the first aid site to learn more about using certain elements of your first aid kit is a point not to be neglected.

It is preferable to include instructions for the use and dosage of each element in your kit to avoid an error that could worsen an injury.

Safety during your outings is a priority, even before the weight of your backpack. Prioritizing safety over the lightness of your bag is not an option.

If you decide to go out alone for a bivouac, inform someone of the time you leave and the location to enable rescue services to find you quickly if needed.

We will return to this topic soon to address a more intervention-focused first aid kit with more technical content.