Wilderness Medical Society snowmass 2005 Page 272
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Chapter 25
WILDERNESS MEDICAL KITS
Recommendations are considered Category 1B by the WMS Panel of Expert Reviewers
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Preparations for wilderness activities include provisions for emergency care of
individuals in the event of injuries or illnesses. Trip medical leaders must be able to
assemble medical kits that are appropriate to support the proposed trip. This requires
assessing several factors:
A. Purpose of the Trip: Selectivity is the key in choosing appropriate medical equipment.
Groups intent only on providing self-treatment should consider the most common injuries
they will sustain. Because a search and rescue (SAR) team must be equipped to handle
the medical emergencies that they expect to encounter, they can justify carrying
specialized medical gear. On recreational trips, however, the medical kit displaces other
equipment that might be needed. Hikers, white water enthusiasts, and climbers all need
different medical kits to meet their specialized needs.
B. Level of Medical Training: It may be inappropriate to include medications and
equipment that no trip member has the requisite knowledge or experience to use safely.
Trip members responsible for medical care of the group should have direct input into the
contents of the medical kit. Levels of training and experience can differ widely among
groups of physicians, nurses, and EMS personnel. A degree or license may not guarantee
knowledge in any specific area. Pre-trip training to supplement the knowledge base of the
providers may be advisable.
C. Destination: The terrain, altitude, weather, propensity for endemic diseases, and other
inherent dangers must be considered. Groups heading into remote areas where local
inhabitants may request medical help must consider this potential demand on their
supplies, and must consider whether they intend to respond.
D. Length of Trip: The total time that the party must be supported from the kit affects its
contents. Some problems are likely to occur only during particular times. For example,
the treatment of friction blisters is most important during the first few days of a hike. At
times on a long trip, outside medical supplies can be obtained to restock the kit.
E. Time for Evacuation or Medical Rescue: Some trips progressively distance themselves
from medical care. On other trips, time required to obtain help may be deceptive. A river
raft trip into a canyon, for instance, may last only hours, but evacuation in the event of an
accident may take many days of dangerous and laborious effort.
