Volume 44: First Aid Checklist

If you’re headed outdoors, you should always carry either a prepackaged first-aid kit or a DIY kit that you can create using our list as a guide. Knowing how to use the items in a first-aid kit is as important as having them, so consider taking a training course.

This list is a good starting point. It also includes emergency essentials that you might carry separately from a kit. You'll also need to include any prescription medications your group needs, as well as additional supplies you might need for where you're going and how long you will be out.

First-Aid Basic Care

• Antiseptic wipes (BZK-based wipes preferred; alcohol-based OK)

• Antibacterial ointment (e.g., bacitracin)

• Compound tincture of benzoin (bandage adhesive)

• Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)

• Butterfly bandages / adhesive wound-closure strips

• Gauze pads (various sizes)

• Nonstick sterile pads

• Medical adhesive tape (10 yd. roll, min. 1" width)

• Blister treatment

• Ibuprofen / other pain-relief medication

• Insect sting / anti-itch treatment

• Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions

• Splinter (fine-point) tweezers

• Safety pins

• First-aid manual or information cards

Wraps, Splints and Wound Coverings

• Elastic wrap

• Triangular cravat bandage

• Finger splint(s)

• SAM splint(s)

• Rolled gauze

• Rolled, stretch-to-conform bandages

• Hydrogel-based pads

• First-aid cleansing pads with topical anesthetic

• Hemostatic (blood-stopping) gauze

• Liquid bandage

Additional Medications/Treatments

• Prescription medications (e.g., antibiotics)

• Sunburn relief gel or spray

• Throat lozenges

• Lubricating eye drops

• Diarrhea medication

• Antacid tablets

• Oral rehydration salts

• Glucose or other sugar (to treat hypoglycemia)

• Injectable epinephrine (for severe allergic reactions)

• Aspirin (primarily for response to a heart attack)

Tools and Supplies

• Knife (or multi-tool with knife)

• Paramedic shears (blunt-tip scissors)

• Safety razor blade (or scalpel w/ #15 or #12 blade)

• Cotton-tipped swabs

• Standard oral thermometer

• Irrigation syringe with 18-gauge catheter

• Medical / surgical gloves (nitrile preferred; avoid latex)

• CPR mask

• Small notepad with waterproof pencil or pen

• Medical waste bag (plus box for sharp items)

• Waterproof container to hold supplies and meds

• Emergency heat-reflecting blanket

• Hand sanitizer

• Biodegradable soap

Featured on REI Expert Advice

N.A.C. News

(Sunday, April 4, 2021)

Good Morning Everyone,

Keep up to date with the Vaccination progress;  

Canada Vaccination Data

Ontario Vaccination Data

As of yesterday, we are again, in a province wide lockdown under the new guise of "Shutdown".

So, you may be asking, what does this mean for your favourite hiking club?

I have been reading through the lockdown guidelines. We are being asked to stay home as much as possible, but we are allowed outdoors for exercise in groups as large as 5. Things such as parks, soccer fields, golf clubs, etc. are remaining open.  

So, I have decided that during the "Shutdown" (currently slated to end May 1st), all Niagara Adventure Club Day Hikes will be SELF GUIDED HIKES.  

That means, when you arrive at the hike, I will provide you with a map that includes turn by turn directions, and then you and a friend or family member will go off and hike the trail. I will also be on the same trail, only a phone call away if you need assistance or help.  

Of course, there will be some rules that I ask everyone follow during this time;

• Only NAC Members can register for hikes during the Shutdown.

• Please fill up your gas tank in your own community and do not stop anywhere else along the way to and from the event.

• You may hike with up to 5 other people, but try to hike with members of your own household, or if not the same household, keep at least 2 meters (6'6") of physical distancing between hikers.

• Everyone MUST BE MASKED when arriving at the meeting point. When you step out of your car, please have a mask on. I will supply you with a piece of paper that contains the map, the directions, and my phone number, keep your greetings with other members brief, and then begin your hike.

• I, Lenny, will be the last to get on the trail once everyone else has started.

• Upon completing your hike, you will be required to check in, either with a phone call or a text message to let me know you have completed the hike succesfully and are back at your vehicle.

I feel that if we can follow these simple rules, we can still enjoy hiking and nature in a very safe manner without violating any provincial guidelines.

The Shutdown is slated to last 28 days, and therefore will only affect 2 of our events. However, if it is extended, or if the province updates the guidelines, I will make changes as necessary, and possibly with limited warning.

That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking!  

Lenny Burch

Niagara Adventure Club