What should i take on a hike?
The first thing I would recommend is a first aid kit.
What is a first aid kit?
According to dictionary.com, first aid is "help given to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available."
A first aid kit consists of materials you need to treat an injury on the go. You can buy them at the store, but I recommend having some of the following:
- At least 6 adhesive bandages
- At least 2 gauze pads, 3x3 inch
- Bandage Tape
- Tea Bag (when you apply water to a tea bag it slows the bleeding of the wound)
- Moleskin (not mole skin, you apply to blisters to reduce friction)
- Alcohol swabs (rubbing alcohol wipes)
- Antibiotic (neosporin)
- scissors
- pencil/paper
- CPR breathing barrier
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen or Advil
I also would include on a hike:
Water (good amount)
Extra set of clothes
Raincoat
Map and Compass
Sunscreen or other protection from the sun
Trail snacks
Phone (optional)
Whistle
Insect repellent
What is a first aid kit?
According to dictionary.com, first aid is "help given to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available."
A first aid kit consists of materials you need to treat an injury on the go. You can buy them at the store, but I recommend having some of the following:
- At least 6 adhesive bandages
- At least 2 gauze pads, 3x3 inch
- Bandage Tape
- Tea Bag (when you apply water to a tea bag it slows the bleeding of the wound)
- Moleskin (not mole skin, you apply to blisters to reduce friction)
- Alcohol swabs (rubbing alcohol wipes)
- Antibiotic (neosporin)
- scissors
- pencil/paper
- CPR breathing barrier
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen or Advil
I also would include on a hike:
Water (good amount)
Extra set of clothes
Raincoat
Map and Compass
Sunscreen or other protection from the sun
Trail snacks
Phone (optional)
Whistle
Insect repellent
I'm Lost! What do i do?
Okay, if you are hiking in a big area you must know about the distress signal.
A distress signal is a sign that you are in need of help - a warning. It is always important to know the distress code in case you are lost or of medical need, and you are to far away to get help.
The the distress code is in intervals of 3. For example, 3 tweets of a whistle, 3 fires, 3 x's, etc.
Or, you can just put "Help," like in the picture, but it is most likely that you won't be able to do that.
An easy way to prevent getting lost is to take a map and compass.
The the distress code is in intervals of 3. For example, 3 tweets of a whistle, 3 fires, 3 x's, etc.
Or, you can just put "Help," like in the picture, but it is most likely that you won't be able to do that.
An easy way to prevent getting lost is to take a map and compass.
What about poison ivy?
Poison Ivy is a plant with three tri-pointed leaves, and a hint of red where the leaves meet the stem. Poison Ivy is found in a lot of forests. It gives off oils that can cause irritation to your skin and in some cases causes an allergic reaction. If you come in contact with it, it will most likely cause a rash.
Poison Oak
Poison oak also has three pointed leaves, and the majority of the stem is red. It is found in similar places as poison ivy, but it is nowhere near as common. It usually causes rashes and swelling.
Poison Sumac
Poison sumac grows differently: It grows in several rows of two with one leaf in the front. It turns bright red in the summer.
How do you get rid of it?
Do not try to get rid of the actual plant. Rubbing it will cause the oils to get in your hands, burning it will cause the oils to vaporize in the air, and it can harm your throat and lungs.
If you come in contact with any of these, first you must wash within 20 minutes of when you come in contact. The oils usually take about that long to soak in. Even if it is tempting, do not itch any of the rashes, for it will only make it worse. Apply itch creams like hydrocortisone to prevent pain or further damage.
Poison Oak
Poison oak also has three pointed leaves, and the majority of the stem is red. It is found in similar places as poison ivy, but it is nowhere near as common. It usually causes rashes and swelling.
Poison Sumac
Poison sumac grows differently: It grows in several rows of two with one leaf in the front. It turns bright red in the summer.
How do you get rid of it?
Do not try to get rid of the actual plant. Rubbing it will cause the oils to get in your hands, burning it will cause the oils to vaporize in the air, and it can harm your throat and lungs.
If you come in contact with any of these, first you must wash within 20 minutes of when you come in contact. The oils usually take about that long to soak in. Even if it is tempting, do not itch any of the rashes, for it will only make it worse. Apply itch creams like hydrocortisone to prevent pain or further damage.