In our first article covering Trail First Aid, we learned from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue about the primary objectives of trail side first aid:
Provide lifesaving first aid if necessary.
Stabilize non-life-threatening injuries to prevent injury aggravation or escalation.
Coordinate professional medical resources to address injuries and extraction.
The best first step to prepare would be to complete a first aid training course. But what first aid supplies should you carry with you? Most first aid kits do not contain any medical equipment that would effectively address a life-threatening condition and also do not provide effective materials to stabilize less serious injuries and prevent escalation.
An ideal Trail First Aid Kit must address life-threatening injuries, support injury stabilization and be waterproof and lightweight.
The list below highlights the contents of an effective first aid kit sorted by injury severity with helpful links to the American Red Cross and other resources.
1. Traumatic Bleeding
Provides gloves, face shield, bandage, gauze, and tourniquet to treat severe bleeding.
2. Broken Bones, Strains and Sprains
Provides formable splint and bandage to hold splint in place.
3. Cuts and Minor Bleeding, Bites and Stings
Addresses a wide variety of minor injuries. Can be carried or left at the trailhead.
Trail First Aid Kit Summary
Total Weight of Required Items: 200-230 grams (7-8 oz)
Detail Required component list:
1 Tactical Medical Solutions SOF Tactical Tourniquet, 1.5"
1 C-Splint or SAM-Splint 36"
2 Gauze Pads or Bleeding Control Dressing 3" x 4 ft.
1 Roller Bandage 3" x 4 yds.
1 Self Adhesive Bandage Wrap 3" or 4" x 5 yds.
1 Pair Latex Gloves
1 CPR Basic Face Shield
How: Packing/Storage
The recommended Trail First Aid Kit is lightweight and easily stored using a pack or on-bike storage.
To pack the C-Splint, slide the folded splint behind your hydration pack.
The remaining required items can be easily packed in any available pack or on-bike storage space.
The optional basic first aid kit can be left in your car/truck, or you can select items from the kit to include in your trail pack such as anti-bacterial ointment, pain medication or antiseptic wipes.
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