You just parked your rig off the trail when nature calls. You walk into the forest a few yards to water the trees when you slip on one of the roots. Next thing you feel is an intense burning pain in your leg as your lying on the ground. You look down and your leg is severely broken just above the ankle with the bone sticking out.

You’re alone, no cell service, and you haven’t seen anyone on the trail for hours…

The single most important piece of gear to bring on any overlanding excursion isn’t a winch or any other recovery gear. The most important thing is the 6 inches between your ears. Your knowledge and mental fortitude can take you further than any bit of gear can. Another must have in my book is some sort of satellite communication. Getting help is incredibly important and it’s hard to dial 911 from the middle of nowhere. But those emergency responders are hours away, so what do you do? Owning a medical kit is important and can help improve your chances of surviving a situation like described above, but knowing HOW to use your supplies is just as important. Get yourself a first aid kit that fits your needs and get educated on how to use the items in it. Attending a Stop The Bleed and CPR class should be on everyone’s to-do lists.

I’m often asked what I carry in my first aid kits. Mine are pretty standardized for all eventualities. There are typically two types of kits: the IFAK(Individual first aid kit) and the MFAK(Multi first aid kit). The IFAK is typically the things that will treat injuries that will kill you quickly. Think massive bleeding control. Whereas the MFAK is more comprehensive. The MFAK is designed to help multiple people and multiple injuries.

Nitrile Gloves

CAT Tourniquet

Swat tourniquet

Israeli bandage

Kerlex(roller gauze)

Abd Pad

Chest seal

Shears

Sharpie

4×4 Gauze pads

My MFAK:

Gloves

CAT Tourniquet

Swat tourniquet

Triangular bandages

Sam splint

Duct tape

Kerlexs

Ace wrap

Abd Pads

Chest seal

Shears

Tweezers

Scissors

Sharpie

4×4 Gauze pads

Alcohol pads

Tefla pads (non-absorbent gauze)

Medications(pain, allergy, triple antibiotic, hydrocortisone cream, ect)

Canine supplies(Muzzle, slip lead, ect)

I also carry my Toyota first aid kit that came with my truck. It comes in handy with all the bandaids, butterfly bandages, and other things in it for the everyday boo-boos.

I listed canine supplies in here as well. I think it’s important for any responsible dog owner to carry a few extra things just for the dogs. Remember they can get hurt too, and may need immediate treatment before moving to a vet clinic that can be hours away. Despite how sweet and loving your Princess has been her entire life, when dogs are hurt they can do unexpected things. One of those things is biting those trying to help, even their owner. So muzzling an injured dog is pretty important.

Remember, buying the fanciest and most expensive first aid kit is absolutely useless without the knowledge to use it. Get educated on the basics and how to use all the things you are carrying with you.

If you read this far, thank you! I have a passion for emergency medicine and enjoy sharing that with others. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.