First Aid Essentials For A Montana Summer

This week, I had a humbling little reminder about how inadequate my first aid kit in my pickup truck is. 

What irritates me the most is that I usually do a pretty good job preparing for emergencies and carrying the proper supplies, but this time, that wasn't the case. 

I managed to slice the tip off of my finger; gross, I know, and yes, I've got about 1 million Band-Aids in there, but not enough gauze, anything to stop bleeding, that sort of thing.

So why not use my unfortunate little event to remind folks and give helpful tips on what to carry in your first aid kit as we head through Montana summer?

Also, I hope more than five of you read this article because typing it up right now is killing my finger.

First Aid Reminders

Just because you're not hitting the backcountry of Montana doesn't necessarily mean you don't need a good first aid kit.

Just think about everyday driving, things you might come across, and instances that might come up.

Try your best to carry supplies that prepare you for those events.

As mentioned above, just a few simple Band-Aids don't cut it. I'm talking about decent gauze, rubber, gloves, saline solutions, larger bandages, etc.

First Aid Kit Essentials 

The list below is directly from the Red Cross.

Everybody's first aid kit will be unique, but this should be a good start.

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches) 
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), also found within our Family First Aid Kit 
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch) 
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram) 
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets 
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each) 
• 1 emergency blanket
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each) 
• 1 3 in. gauze roll (roller) bandage
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide) 
• 5 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads 
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)  
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 triangular bandages 
• Tweezers

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