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F. Size of the Party: Although an increase in the number of participants influences the
quantity of some medications and bandaging materials, the increase is not linear.
Frequently, only minimal additions are needed to serve a larger group adequately.
Equipping each member with a personal kit containing bandages, blister supplies, and
personal medications can reduce the size of the main medical kit for a large party.
G. Bulk, Weight, and Cost: Even if cost is not a consideration, the weight and bulk of a
kit are potential limiting factors. Because bandaging and splints are bulky and possibly
awkward to carry, the use of improvised materials, such as clothing for bandaging and
local fabrication of splints, may be incorporated into plans for the medical kit. Using
multi-functional components may also reduce medical equipment. If one piece of
equipment or a drug can be used for many different purposes, weight can be significantly
reduced. Knowledgeable medical team members are needed to optimize this tactic.
Some organizations and search and rescue teams use a modular approach to
medical kits. Separate kits, with increasing sophistication and for various purposes, are
available for individuals and situations requiring more advanced equipment. While the
basic kit is designed for use by lay personnel, only specially trained individuals can use
the more advanced kits, and they carry them into the field only when required.
II. CONTAINERS
Containers for the medical kit must be chosen for maximal accessibility and protection of
contents. Damage is to be expected, and may render materials useless. In situations where
there is danger of the loss of equipment, such as on white water trips, the medical kit
components should be divided into several kits so that all equipment is not lost if an
accident occurs. Individuals with life sustaining medications should take an extra quantity
to be carried separately.
The medical kit must be easily identified and accessible when needed. This entails
making it visible, e.g., bright red and/or marked with reflective material, and placing it
where it can be reached easily. Kits that unroll or open to display their contents make
selection of items very convenient. For small kits, this is not usually necessary. For large
kits, kits that will be used frequently, and kits that may be accessed by multiple members
of the group, accessibility and easy identification of contents are very important.
III. GUIDELINES FOR EQUIPMENT
Equipment for a wilderness medical kit should be selected in light of its function:
A. Life Support: Airways, supplemental oxygen, manually powered suction devices,
chest tubes and similar equipment are generally only carried by experienced rescue
personnel on prolonged remote expeditions.
B. Vital Signs: A watch with a second hand to time pulse or respiration is an important
piece of equipment. A blood pressure cuff and stethoscope are useful in some situations,
but may be of no value to untrained personnel.
C. Soft Tissue Injuries: An irrigation syringe will provide adequate wound cleaning
capability. Wound closure materials range from butterfly bandages and wound closure
