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<\/a>As a very young outdoor enthusiast, these were my thoughts exactly (if I thought about it at all). In my opinion, first-aid kits were always optional. But my tune definitely changed when I experienced four emergency situations within just a few years where a first-aid kit was used \u2013 once even on myself. After that, I was pretty much convinced of the importance<\/strong> of having a first-aid kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also learned that it\u2019s always better to have too much<\/strong> rather<\/strong> than too little<\/strong> with you. It was my own experience that had taught me this very important lesson. When I got hurt, a paramedic, who just happened to be nearby, stuffed several rolls of bandages in a wound in my shin to stop the bleeding before wrapping the whole thing up in another bandage and (unfortunately for me) pressing on it. If it wasn\u2019t for the paramedic and his creative use of the extra wound dressings, the wound surely would\u2019ve become infected within an hour and a half, if untreated. I\u2019ll tell you one thing: the few grams of additional weight for extra dressings are definitely worth it!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I also learned another lesson: you should NEVER<\/strong> rely on<\/strong> your mobile phone <\/strong>to get fast or even immediate assistance. Even today, in the world of smartphones, there are plenty of places in the mountains and elsewhere in the great outdoors where there is no reception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If someone is injured where there is no service and that individual is alone and unable to move, the only option is to send an alpine distress signal<\/strong>. This consists of six acoustic and\/or optical distress signals per minute. The six signals are generated for one minute, followed by a one-minute pause, which is then followed by another six signals for a duration of one minute. The reply is given with three successive signals per minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flares<\/strong> could be useful in such a situation as well, even in alpine areas that are not remote or lonely. Why? Because even the more frequented massifs have routes that are tough to find and have areas that are well hidden and out of sight. In the event of an accident, the loud flare can be the decisive factor in rescuers finding you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, I even have a first-aid kit in my pack on easy<\/strong> hikes<\/strong> and for climbing trips<\/strong> \u2013 it\u2019s basically a permanent fixture in the lid pocket of my pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of climbing: Surprisingly, not having a first-aid kit when sport climbing seems to be the norm, even though the risk of injury is by no means less than it is while hill walking or during alpine adventures. This may be due to the fact that a lot of people rely on others having a kit with them in case of an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, if we\u2019re being honest here and you really wanted to be on the safe side, you\u2019d also carry one with you when cycling through the city<\/strong>. True, that may be a bit over the top, but it\u2019s really up to you. If you want to have a first-aid kit on you at all times, even for your \u201csmaller\u201d adventures, more power to you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n After all, I couldn\u2019t think of a valid argument against taking<\/strong> one along<\/strong>, not even an argument that pertains to weight<\/strong>. Most items in a first-aid kit weigh so little that most people would hardly notice the difference anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re embarking on \u201cproper\u201d mountaineering and climbing adventures that span one or multiple days, taking a first-aid kit is essential. No first-aid kit = negligent and stupid<\/strong>. Now, let\u2019s have a closer look at the contents of first-aid kits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of the things listed below are already included in the smaller basic sets<\/strong>. The somewhat larger sets<\/strong>, on the other hand, often contain a lot of additional material for treating wounds that you may not need for less ambitious adventures. Still, other things (especially medication) will have to be increased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That being said, it is usually advisable to customise<\/strong> the set according to your personal needs<\/strong> and add the finishing touches with some purchases from the chemist\u2019s or drugstore. Some items are also available in the Alpinetrek shop \u2013 in addition to several first-aid kits<\/a> for different needs and travel types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a simple rule for determining the scope of your kit<\/strong>: the longer, more remote and risky\/dangerous the journey is, the more extensive your first-aid kit should be. The exact contents depend heavily on your destination. In the following list, we\u2019re referring to equipment needed for hill walking, hiking and alpine walking. If you\u2019re planning adventures in far-away jungles, deserts and other exotic destinations, you\u2019ll require a different set of items. The same applies to family outings where you probably wouldn\u2019t expect large wounds, but things more along the lines of allergic reactions or minor burns.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBetter to have too much than too little<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When is a first-aid kit mandatory?<\/h2>\n\n\n
<\/a>The contents of your first-aid kit<\/h2>\n\n\n
<\/a>The scope of the kit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
List of our must-haves for your first-aid kit:<\/h3>\n\n\n
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