While hunting is a fun and exciting sport, it can also be incredibly dangerous. Every outdoorsman must take proper safety precautions when hunting. Many injuries can result from hunting, sharpening a knife and cutting yourself, a twisted ankle from hiking, a fall from a tree stand, and, most seriously, a gunshot wound. Unfortunately, taking proper safety measures doesn’t always ensure everybody’s safety. In the event of an emergency or accident, it is good to prepare a well-stocked first aid kit.
Learn more about the items every first aid kit needs below.
The Bare Essentials
Every first aid kit you bring along needs to be equipped with the bare essentials. These items may come in handy for something as simple as a sliver or headache or as serious as a broken arm or cut. A basic kit should include items such as:
- Bandaids and other bandages like butterfly and ace bandages
- Moleskin
- Gloves
- Alcohol wipes
- Medication for pain relief like ibuprofen and allergies
- A splint
- Tourniquet (complete with instructions)
- Tweezers
- An emergency blanket
- Gauze in a roll and pads
- Medical tape
- and more
Other Important Items
In addition to the basics, you’ll want to bring along many other important items:
- Hemostatic Agents — To quickly stop bleeding, you’ll need a hemostatic agent like QuikClot or Celox. These dressings will accelerate the natural clotting process three times faster and are necessary until you can get professional medical care.
- CPR Mask — In the event, you need to perform CPR, you’ll want to protect yourself from infectious disease and the victim’s bodily fluids with a CPR mask. Brush up on your CPR skills and get certified with a CPR class.
- Chest Seal — Chest seals are used to treat punctured lungs, traumatic abdominal injuries, and cuts to major veins or arteries. One side of the seal is covered in a strong adhesive that can stick to a person, even when covered in blood, sweat, hair, etc. The seal creates an air and watertight seal over the wound to keep it clean and prevent further damage until you reach medical care.
- Trauma Shears — If you need quick access to an injury, trauma shears will be beneficial. They easily cut through clothing, belts, and even seatbelts. They will also prove to be useful when cutting gauze or tape.
- Emergency Food and Water — Bring along a couple of energy bars, snacks, and water bottles. If bringing bottled water isn’t an option, at the very least, bring water treatment tablets.
Contact R & K Hunting Company
Bringing along all the life-saving gear, you might need, is one of the smartest things you can do when heading out on your excursion. Safe hunting experience is our number one priority at R & K Hunting Company. We work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the hunters we guide. For a safe and exciting Rocky Mountain hunting adventure, contact the experienced guides at R & K Hunting Company today to book your hunt.