Hiking and camping are fun activities, but it is important to be prepared for the inevitable bites, falls and other medical problems by taking a small medical kit along with you. What should be included in such a medical kit?

Firstly, make sure the kit contains some basic wound management items such as bandaids, packs of sterile gauze and the medical adhesive tape to attach them to the skin, disinfectant wipes and antibiotic ointment. A bandage roll is helpful for larger wounds while a plastic syringe is useful to irrigate a dirt-packed wound. Don’t forget to include scissors, a good pair of tweezers for splinter and tick removal, some disposable gloves, and although you hope you will never have to use it, a sling is an item that is easy to add because it flat.

A thermometer should be included, and a forehead thermometer is suggested because it is less fragile than others and can be used on several occasions.

You might also want to include medicines such as sun block and soothing aloe gel for sunburn, aspirin or Tylenol for fever or pain, ibuprofen or naproxen for inflammation, and Benadryl for allergies . Antacids and an anti-diarrheal treatment should be placed in the kit, while a lollipop or two can double as kid incentives or quick sugar for a diabetic. Don’t forget to add a measuring spoon if you are dealing with liquid medicines.

Depending on the people taking part in your outdoor adventure, specialized prescription items might need to be included: an epinephrine pen if a member of the group is very allergic, an extra inhaler for an asthma sufferer, or extra heart medicine or diabetic medicine. The spare medicine is important as a backup to regular medicines in bags and packs which may become lost or damaged.

Finally, it is important to make sure that the kit is sealed in a firm, waterproof container, and that a bag for disposing of used medical waste is brought along.