12 must have items for outdoor first aid
Every household usually has a first aid kit for emergencies. However, when we venture into the great outdoors, a comprehensive set of self-rescue and survival tools becomes indispensable. Today, let's go through the 12 essential items you must bring along.
NO.1 Multi-tool Knife
Having a multifunctional tool knife is absolutely necessary in the wild. While you don't need a jungle combat knife like Rambo's, a Swiss Army knife is essential. It integrates not only a regular knife, screwdriver, and scissors, but also a saw, file, and even a magnifying glass!
NO.2 Survival Whistle
It's essentially a regular whistle, but in the wild, its function goes beyond refereeing a game. It can save your life. When in danger, you can use the whistle to attract rescuers or scare away small wild animals (though if it's a tiger or bear, staying silent is the best option).
NO.3 Sewing Kit
From the days of the Red Army's Long March to modern military forces, a sewing kit has always been an essential item for outdoor activities. Nowadays, its functions go beyond simple mending. Needles can be used to remove splinters, bend into fishhooks to improve meals, and even save lives (just make sure your kit includes at least two fishing lines).
NO.4 Matches
In the wild, fire is almost everything. It's important to bring windproof and waterproof matches, but if you can't find them, you can DIY some. The method is simple: melt a candle and evenly coat regular matches with the wax. When you need to use them, just scrape off the wax from the match head. To maximize the windproof and waterproof capabilities of your DIY matches, store them in an empty film canister. Don't forget the phosphorus strip (for striking the matches), or your DIY efforts will be in vain.
NO.5 Candle
A small candle is extremely useful in the wild. Your flashlight or headlamp may become useless once the batteries run out. At this point, the candle shows its 'heroic nature.' Besides providing light, it can also be used for warmth (just don't mistake your fingers for potatoes) and starting a fire. If you cut the bottom off a water bottle to make a lampshade, you'll have a windproof lamp with increased 'power' and efficiency.
NO.6 Compass
Even if you have a GPS device and your watch has an electronic compass, a traditional compass is still indispensable. In the wild, no one can guarantee that advanced equipment won't fail. In such cases, a small compass can help you find your way home.
NO.7 Aluminum Foil
This is a 2x2 meter aluminized sheet, available in gold and silver. It can protect against wind and rain, be set up as a sunshade, and in cold regions, it can wrap around you to retain body heat. Its greatest function is its reflectivity, allowing rescuers to spot you quickly. It can also be used as a ground mat.
NO.8 Binder Clips
Although they are common office supplies, binder clips can be surprisingly useful in the wild. They have been used to clip broken backpack straps, torn pants, and detached shoe soles. While we hope you won't need them, having a few on hand might come in handy.
NO.9 Medical Tape
Don't underestimate this small item; it can be the quickest fix. When your outerwear is torn or your tent is ripped, its usefulness becomes apparent. Although its primary function is to secure gauze, with a bit of imagination, you'll find many more uses for it.
NO.10 Paper and Pencil
Sticky notes are preferable, and white ones are even better.
In the wild, if you want to write something, what kind of pen should you use—a Parker? No, the most expensive isn't necessarily the best. The harsh outdoor environment makes a pencil our best and only choice. It's recommended to use a pencil with a hardness of 2B or higher.
NO.11 Several Bottles
Fill them with salt, fruit candy, and vitamin C. These seemingly insignificant items can be lifesavers in critical moments.
NO.12 Metal Container
It's best to choose aluminum or stainless steel utensils (preferably with a handle). These can be used for heating, carrying water, or melting snow. While plastic containers are lightweight, they can't be heated, limiting their use. Additionally, the metal lid of a container can be used as a mirror to send distress signals in an emergency.