Hunting First Aid Kit
Here are some basic items we should have while hunting. I'm not saying you need all these items but whatever you think might come in handy.
Please feel free to add to this list so that we might be better prepared while in the field.
Injuries can result from almost anything i.e. cutting yourself, twisting your ankle or knee, getting a splinter in a finger or hand, bee stings, headache, signs of a heart attack or God forbid a gunshot wound.
• Super glue
• Band-Aids
• Gauze
• Hemostatic Agents — To quickly stop bleeding if needed.
• Tape – I use vet wrap
• Knife
• Antibacterial cream
• Scissors
• Benadryl
• Tylenol or ibuprofen
• Aspirin for heart attack
• Tweezers
• Magnifying glass.
• Cleansing wipes
• Water
• Epipen if needed.
• Chest Seal. Chest seal bandages are used to treat punctured lungs, traumatic abdominal injuries, and cuts to major veins or arteries. The seal creates an air and watertight seal over the wound to keep it clean and prevent further damage.
Looks like a lot but that can all fit in a Ziplock bag and could come in handy should the situation arise!
Anybody carry anything else with them and would like to share?
Good list TB. Ever since a friend of mine was shot with a rifle in the leg while bowhunting (during gun season but by an illegal hunter) I carry a similar kit. Quikclot hemostatic bandages are amazing in their ability to control bleeding until medical help can be reached. As a diabetic, I also consider something for glucose control... even a candy bar can be first aid when you bottom out and become disoriented.
Always make sure someone knows where you are in case of an emergency. Better safe than sorry.
Add a small mirror to that list. One on a quality compass would suffice and serve double purpose.
A tourniquet would be a worthy addition to the list. They're cheap insurance against extremity arterial bleeds.
I carry the items listed by the OP and the others who replied (great list) and in addition, a combat type compression bandage- not as aggressive as a tourniquet: https://www.amazon.com/Israeli-Dressing-First-Aid-Compression/dp/B003DPVERM
Also consider getting some training. A Wilderness First Aid class (class is 2 days long) gives hands on experience in using what you have in your pack/vest to treat injuries. This class assumes that 911 help is not immediately available.
I hunt solo, so I leave detailed info with my wife. Where I'll be hunting, when I'll be home and what time to call the cavalry. Also who to call; game department, sheriff, etc.
Something else to consider is a satellite SOS beacon. (Overkill for hunting the back 40) I carry an InReach Mini. This provides SOS and 2-way text communication with rescuers as well as folks at home. I do long distance backpack trips (2 weeks plus) and this little gadget gives peace of mind.
Imodium AD
I carry the above and a few other things. A couple feet of the parachute cord that has the fire starter in the middle, small roll of black electrical tape and water purification tablets
My asthma pump, epipen, in my wallet and in my back tag is a list of all my medications, a old Red Cross donor card to show what blood type I have, list of people to contact, extra medication in case I need it though I do not take one of them when I handle a firearm or drive it may come in handy if injured for pain. Instruction sheet on how to use the gear. Fire starter of some kind or more than one kind. (I trust a 9 volt battery and steel wool far more than a match or lighter and they work when wet) Just a few of them. Oh rubber/latex gloves.
Quote from: Bridger on May 07, 2022, 09:40:23 PM
Something else to consider is a satellite SOS beacon. (Overkill for hunting the back 40) I carry an InReach Mini. This provides SOS and 2-way text communication with rescuers as well as folks at home. I do long distance backpack trips (2 weeks plus) and this little gadget gives peace of mind.
I didn't suggest an inreach for hunting, but I use one for kayak fishing Lake Michigan and backpacking/hiking out west. Cheap insurance imo.
I always have small first Aid kits in my vehicles and in my Glenda Green satchel and hunting backpack ....also carry extra band-aids in my wallet... I always have extra bottled water in all my vehicles etc...