Casual walks, hiking, running, agility training, playing outdoors, hitting the beach, regardless of the activities you and your family enjoy together, accidents are bound to happen from time to time. That’s why it’s important to have [and carry with you during outings] a safety/first-aid kit.
Not sure what to include? These are RecProtect’s essentials:
Bug Spray/After-Bite Ointment/Cream
Bugs are a part of hiking. Having bug spray allows you to be proactive in preventing bites. Despite best efforts, you may still get itchy spots from bug bites, or reactions from other plants [ie. poison ivy] you encounter. After-Bite type ointments and creams will provide you relief in such situations.
Hydrogen Peroxide & Antibiotic Ointment
Peroxide cleans wounds, followed by application of antibiotic ointment. Together, these decrease risk of infection and speed up healing. Antibiotic ointment can be used alone for minor cuts or scratches as it also acts as a barrier against bacteria and germs. You may also choose to use alcohol wipes in place of hydrogen peroxide.
Tweezers
Following cleaning a wound you may notice that there’s debris, such as dirt, splinters or grass, in the wound. You’ll want to utilize the tweezers to remove anything from cuts prior to further treating it.
Adhesive Bandages
Adhesive bandages are the kind that likely come to mind when you hear the word “Band-aid”. These skin-coloured bandages have peel-away parts that reveal a sticky side to cling in place with a padded piece in the middle. While traditional bandage size is most commonly used, ensure that you also have a variety of larger and smaller ones as well.
Gauze Bandages
Sometimes adhesive bandages do not offer enough coverage for the scraps you might endure. It is in these times that gauze bandages come in handy to absorb additional blood. This type of bandage also comes in a variety of sizes, and it’s not a bad idea to stack your first aid kit with an assortment of them too.
Elastic Bandages
Elastic bandages are quite different from the previous mentioned types. These bandages typically come with either hook-and-loop or metal fasteners and are flexible enough to wrap around elbows, ankles, knees or wrists that may experience sprains or swelling.
Gauze, Scissors, Tape
After cleaning, wrap wounds, and secure with tape. Scissors are helpful in cutting both. This protects wounds from other sources of bacteria. Gauze is also an effective way to control bleeding and brace hurt or fractured joints and areas.
Disposable Gloves
Anytime you’re treating someone else’s wound that involves any kind of bodily fluids [saliva, blood, urine or stool] it’s important to use gloves. By wearing disposable medical gloves, you prevent germs and infections from spreading to yourself or anyone else.
First Aid Guide Book
Having this guide allows a quick reference for how to administer or provide care in various situations. Having the refresher in a time of emergency can provide you with an extra piece of confidence.
It’s always better to have and not need it, then need it and not have it! Seems like a lot to carry? Consider utilizing a hiking pack!
Stay Prepared for Outdoor Adventures with RecProtect’s Comprehensive Recreational Insurance
RecProtect understands the importance of being prepared for any unforeseen circumstances while engaging in outdoor activities. Accidents can happen unexpectedly, this is why we offer recreational insurance that goes beyond just protecting your trailer or boat. Just like carrying a safety/first aid kit while hiking, having insurance ensures that you have the necessary coverage in case of an accident or damage to your trailer and boat. With RecProtect, you can enjoy your favourite outdoor activities, knowing that you’re prepared for any potential risks.