When you're outdoors, help may be hours away. Basic first aid knowledge and the right supplies can make the difference between a minor incident and a serious emergency. Here's what every outdoor adventurer should know.

🎒 Building Your Outdoor First Aid Kit

Wound Care

• Assorted adhesive bandages (various sizes)
• Sterile gauze pads (5cm x 5cm and 10cm x 10cm)
• Non-adherent dressings
• Medical tape
• Antiseptic wipes or solution
• Wound closure strips (steri-strips)
• Tweezers (for splinters and ticks)

Bandages and Support

• Compression bandages (x2) - Essential for snake bites and sprains
• Triangular bandage - Slings and immobilisation
• Elastic bandage - Sprains and strains
• Crepe bandage

Medications

• Pain relief (paracetamol and/or ibuprofen)
• Antihistamines (for allergic reactions)
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Electrolyte replacement sachets
• Personal medications

Specialist Items

• CPR face shield
• Emergency blanket
• Instant cold pack
• Tick removal tool
• Scissors and safety pins
• Nitrile gloves (several pairs)
• First aid manual/card

🐍 Australian-Specific: Snake Bite First Aid

Australia has some of the world's most venomous snakes. The Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) is critical:

1. Keep still - Lay the patient down and keep them calm
2. Don't wash the bite - Venom traces help identify the snake
3. Apply pressure bandage - Firmly over the bite site
4. Wrap entire limb - Continue bandaging from toes/fingers to groin/armpit
5. Immobilise - Splint the limb to prevent movement
6. Don't move - Wait for emergency services
7. Call 000 - Request ambulance immediately

🔥 Heat-Related Illness

In Australian conditions, heat illness is a real threat:

• Heat exhaustion - Fatigue, headache, excessive sweating, pale skin. Move to shade, cool down, hydrate
• Heat stroke - Hot dry skin, confusion, collapse. Medical emergency - cool rapidly and call 000
• Prevention - Stay hydrated, avoid midday heat, wear appropriate clothing

❄️ Hypothermia

Can occur even in mild conditions when wet and exposed:

• Signs - Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness
• Treatment - Get out of wind/rain, remove wet clothing, insulate, warm drinks if conscious
• Severe cases - Handle gently, call for help, apply gentle warming

🦴 Sprains and Strains

Use the RICE method:

• Rest - Stop using the injured area
• Ice - Apply cold (if available) to reduce swelling
• Compression - Elastic bandage for support
• Elevation - Raise the injured limb

📚 Get Trained

This article provides an overview, but there's no substitute for hands-on training. Consider completing a first aid course, with wilderness or remote first aid courses especially valuable for outdoor adventurers.

First aid knowledge is one of the most valuable skills you can have outdoors. Take a course, practice your skills, and always be prepared. The confidence that comes from knowing you can handle emergencies makes every adventure safer and more enjoyable.