A personal first aid kit ought to be just that: "personal." The most effective kit is not one that you buy, but one that you make for yourself. This way you put it together based on your personal needs. There are some basics that every first aid kit should have, but after those basics are met, you have to be the judge of what else is needed. Remember the Scout Motto: BE PREPARED! You may think of other common threats that might cause you to include something else in your first aid kit. Tailor your kit to reflect your needs.
By the same token, don't go overboard. A first aid kit needs to be small and light enough to carry. It is not a medical kit, but only a way to deal with minor problems which are likely to occur in the outdoors. Pick a suitable container for your first aid kit. A small plastic ZIP-LOC type bag or small sealable plastic container will work just fine. Liquids should be in separate plastic bags in case of leaks or spills. Very few bottles are guaranteed not to leak.
BASICS
Band-aids for minor cuts
Sterile pads for larger cuts
Adhesive tape
Triple antibiotic First aid cream
Small scissors
50 cents - make sure you can make a phone call
COMMON THREATS
Skin threats (poison plants, insects)
recommend Rhulihist lotion or a topical cortisone ointment
Tylenol or equivalent (minor pains)
doctors now recommend that children avoid using aspirin
Digestive system threats
Antacid tablets
indigestion can be common on outings -- Tums, Rolaids, etc.
Pepto-Bismol or equivalent (upset stomachs are also common)
Immodium AD or equivalent (diarrhea medicine)
Small bottle of alcohol (used for sterilizing)
Lip balm (chapped lips are common, especially in winter)
Chap Stick, Blistex, or Carmex
Antihistamine (used for all types of allergies)
you never know when an allergy will start
Moleskin (blisters)
this is actually a necessity if you are hiking
Needle
Tweezers
Small bottle of liquid insect repellent
recommend Cutter's or other good brand
Small tube of muscle ointment
Small bottle of eye drops (eye irritation)
recommend Visine or equivalent
Favorite cold symptom relief
(sore throats, congestion, etc.)
PERSONAL
Medicine for specific allergies / conditions -- if you take regular medicine, bring it!
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