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strips to suture equipment with surgical instruments or surgical staples. Cleansing
materials, local anesthetics, and bandaging materials are also in this category. Material
for blister treatment is probably the most commonly used item in this group.
D. Orthopedic Injuries: Prefabricated splints are now manufactured in lightweight
designs, including collapsible femoral traction splints, but these may be improvised in the
field. Cervical collars may likewise be improvised. Backboards or litters are not usually
needed, except by rescue groups. Fiberglass casting material makes an excellent
lightweight splinting material.
E. Medication Administration: Special equipment in addition to the medications is
necessary only if injectable drugs or intravenous fluids are carried. Injectable medications
are susceptible not only to damage from bottle breakage, but also from light, heat, and
cold.
IV. MEDICATIONS
The decision to carry any particular medication must take into account the medical
knowledge required to use the medication properly, as well as the cost, bulk and weight
of the kit, the potential problems that might be encountered, medication allergy history of
trip participants, and knowledge of local laws and regulations that might restrict
possession of certain medications.
A list of potential candidates for inclusion in this list can be obtained by referring
to suggestions made in these position papers, various books on wilderness related
medical care, the physician's personal medical/surgical knowledge, and standard texts
and publications concerning treatment of trauma and infectious diseases. The Wilderness
Medicine magazine and The Journal of Wilderness & Environmental Medicine,
publications of the Wilderness Medical Society, periodically print articles with
suggestions for customized medical kits for various remote area, climatic, and endeavor-
specific activities.
