Outdoors Equipment

This list is tailored for serious outdoor expeditions and group care. It includes comprehensive supplies to address a wide range of injuries and emergencies, however it is not an exact list:

Core Items for All Adventure Leaders

1. General Supplies:
   • Primary care leaflet and sterile information card
   • Safety pins, scissors (5.5cm blade), tweezers, and shears (6cm blade)
   • Glow stick for signaling
   • Nitrile gloves (4 pairs) for hygiene
   • Resuscitation face shield for CPR
   • Spot check thermometer for monitoring temperature
2. Medications:
   • Paracetamol tablets
   • Ibuprofen tablets
   • High-energy snacks for emergencies
   • Aspirin 300mg
3. Bandages:
   • Open woven bandages (7.5cm x 5m)
   • Crepe bandages (5cm x 4.5m; 2, 7.5cm x 4.5m)
   • Triangular calico bandages (90 x 127cm)
4. Dressings
   • Medium wound dressings (12 x 12cm
   • Low adherent dressings (5 x 5cm; 2, 10 x 10cm)
   • Assorted plasters (1 pack)
   • Blister plasters
   • Small plaster fabric strip (4cm x 1m)
   • Large plaster fabric strip (7.5cm x 1m)
   • Wound closure strips
   • Small eye pad wound dressing
   • Israeli / Trauma bandage
   • Hemostatic gause
5. Preparations, Disposables, and Tapes
   • Hygienic cleansing wipes (12)
   • Burn gel sachets (4, 3.5g each)
   • Micropore tape (1.25cm x 5m; 2.5cm x 5m)
   • Zinc oxide tape (1.25cm x 5m; 2.5cm x 2m)
   • Duct tape (2m roll)
   • Cotton rolls (3)
   • Synthetic suture (2.4 x 7.5cm)

Emergency Items (Not within First Aid kit but carried)

• Thermal blanket for hypothermia prevention
• Glow stick for visibility in low-light conditions

This list ensures leaders are equipped to handle a variety of situations, from minor injuries to more serious emergencies. Regular maintenance and familiarity with the kit’s contents are essential for effective use.

Some roles requires a tailored first aid kit to address the specific risks and environments they operate in. Here’s a breakdown of recommended kits:

British Cycling Mountain Bike Leader

A mountain bike leader’s kit should focus on treating injuries common in cycling, such as abrasions, fractures, and blisters. The Lifesystems Bike First Aid Kit is a great option, offering:

• Cohesive bandage and triangular bandage for immobilization.
• Low adherent dressings and wound closure strips for cuts and abrasions.
• Blister plasters for foot and hand protection.
• Sterile eye wash for debris removal.
• Zinc oxide tape and cleansing wipes for wound care.
• Compact and lightweight design for easy portability.

Mountain Leader

For mountain leaders, a comprehensive kit like the Lifesystems Mountain Leader Pro First Aid Kit is ideal. It includes:

• Equipment for group care (up to 16 people).
• Burn gel sachets, gauze swabs, and duct tape for versatile wound management.
• Thermal blanket for hypothermia prevention.
• Assorted plasters, medium wound dressings, and blister plasters.
• Tools like scissors, tweezers, and a resuscitation face shield.

RYA Powerboat Instructor

Powerboat instructors need a kit designed for maritime environments, such as the RYA-recommended first aid kits. Key features include:

• Waterproof bandages and dressings for wet conditions.
• Seasickness remedies and sun protection.
• Hypothermia prevention tools like thermal blankets.
• CPR face shield and first aid manual tailored for marine emergencies.
• Items for treating minor injuries, burns, and dehydration.

Each of these kits is designed to meet the unique challenges of their respective activities. Regularly updating and familiarizing yourself with the contents ensures you’re always prepared to handle emergencies effectively.

Not all Thermal blankets are the same, we recommend Thermal blankets, such as the Thermarmour Emergency Blanket (and we are not paid to say this). They offer several advantages over traditional foil blankets, making them a preferred choice in many situations:

1. Durability: Thermal blankets are typically made from stronger materials, which makes them less prone to tearing compared to the thin and delicate structure of foil blankets. This ensures they can withstand rough handling and challenging outdoor conditions.
2. Comfort: Unlike foil blankets, which can feel crinkly and uncomfortable, thermal blankets are often designed with a softer texture. This makes them more pleasant for prolonged use, especially in emergency or survival scenarios.
3. Insulation: While foil blankets primarily reflect body heat, thermal blankets provide additional insulation by trapping warm air. This dual functionality enhances their ability to maintain body temperature in cold environments.
4. Size and Coverage: Thermal blankets, like the Thermarmour Emergency Blanket, often come in larger sizes, providing better coverage for individuals. This is particularly useful in situations where full-body warmth is critical.
5. Reusability: Many thermal blankets are designed to be reusable, whereas foil blankets are often single-use. This makes thermal blankets a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long run.
6. Versatility: Thermal blankets can serve multiple purposes, such as acting as a ground cover, windbreak, or even a makeshift shelter. Their robust construction allows for more versatile applications compared to foil blankets.

By choosing thermal blankets over foil ones, you gain a more durable, comfortable, and effective solution for maintaining warmth and addressing emergency needs. You can explore more about the Thermarmour Emergency Blanket here.