Best Survival First Aid Kit Step by Step

Whenever we go on an adventure, whether hiking, hunting, fishing, or any other outdoor activity, we run the risk of suffering an injury, wound, or accident. Regardless of the severity, it is always important to be prepared to take care of it and in extreme cases to stabilize the situation while help arrives. That’s why I’m going to explain how to prepare your best survival first aid kit.

It is difficult to have a first aid kit that covers all the needs, however, the objective of the first aid kit is to be the best prepared to solve small problems that arise along the way and in serious situations, to have the ability to stabilize the situation while getting help.

How To Prepare Your First Aid Kit Step By Step

The first thing you should consider about how to prepare your first aid kit is the duration and the terrain you are going to. Is it just one day, are you going to stay overnight, how long/days is your adventure, is it in the jungle, is it in the mountains, is it in the desert…? Keep in mind that the first aid kit should be neither too bulky nor too heavy, a small bag with the essential things is more than enough. The most important thing is that we know how to use what we put inside; it is useless to fill the backpack with things that we do not know how to use.

Ideally, everyone should carry their first aid kit, since everyone has specific needs, although if you go in a group, two or three people can be enough (remember to ask about the particular medication needs of each member). This will benefit everyone to optimize space and carry less equipment.

waterproof first aid kit

How To Prepare Your Best Survival First Aid Kit for Camping

The container is as important as the contents and should only be used for the first aid kit. It should be waterproof since some medicines or materials can lose their function if they get wet or damp. Ideally, it should be eye-catching so that anyone can identify it, preferably red or white and with a red cross, although an airtight bag could be useful.

There are ready-made outdoor first-aid kits that can serve as a base for you to compliment them with whatever you need. Try to have divisions so you can easily find what you need and be sure to label or indicate the purpose of each item you keep, for example, medicines.

Contents of The First Aid Kit Checklist

The following list is a reference with some recommendations for you to keep in mind so that you don’t forget anything while preparing your first aid kit. Remember that the first aid kit is for personal use and that everyone has particular needs and specific considerations, for example: being allergic to some medication.

The first thing you should know about how to prepare your first aid kit is the most common reasons for needing it:

Falls and trauma

Exhaustion, sunstroke, dehydration, intoxication, or an allergic reaction due to a sting.

With this in mind, we can classify the contents into 3 groups:

Basic first aid care

Medications and/or additional treatments

Tools and supplies

first aid kit container survival

First Aid Kit Supply List

Antiseptic wipes (BZK or alcohol-based)

Antibacterial ointment

Assorted adhesive bandages

Butterfly bandages/adhesive wound closure strips

Gauze (various sizes)

Medical adhesive tape (10 m. roll, Min. 1″ wide)

Blister treatment

Ibuprofen or other pain-relieving medications

Insect sting treatment (anti-itch)

Antihistamines for treatment of allergic reactions.

Splinter tweezers (fine tip)

Safety pins

First aid manual or information cards

Additional Medications And/or Treatments

Prescription medications (e.g., antibiotics)

Gel or spray for sunburn relief

Throat lozenges

Eye drops to lubricate the eyes

Diarrhea medicine

Antacid tablets

Oral salts or oral rehydration salts

Glucose or sugar (to treat hypoglycemia)

Injectable epinephrine (for severe allergic reactions)

Aspirin (mainly for heart attack response)

first aid kit molle

Camping First Aid Kit Tools and Supplies

Knife (or multi-tool with a razor)

Safety razor blade (or scalpel with #15 or #12 blade)

Surgical needle and thread

Cotton-tipped swabs

Thermometer

18-gauge irrigation syringe with catheter

Medical/surgical gloves (nitrile preferred; avoid latex)

Portable CPR mask

Small notepad with waterproof pen or pencil

Waterproof container for storing supplies and medications

Reflective emergency blanket

Hand sanitizer

Biodegradable soap

Final Conclusions

Remember that this list is a reference for you to have some options for the best survival first aid kit, however, each scenario and person is different with very particular needs. And if you have the opportunity to take first aid courses, even better.

Check our post Outdoor Survival Items for Save your Life.