Medical 101 – By Chris Stewart

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Medical 101 –
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…
What’s next?
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.
Here is a list of things in my IFAK:
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)
Things to think about:
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.

Medical Supplies 101

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đź©ş Overlanding/Off-Roading Medical Kit

1. Basic First Aid

  • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
  • Sterile gauze pads & rolls
  • Medical tape (cloth and waterproof)
  • Elastic bandages (ACE wraps)
  • Antiseptic wipes & solution (povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine)
  • Antibiotic ointment (triple antibiotic)
  • Alcohol pads
  • Cotton swabs
  • Burn gel packets or hydrogel dressings
  • Steri-Strips / butterfly closures

2. Trauma / Serious Injuries

  • Trauma shears (for cutting clothing/seatbelts)
  • Nitrile gloves (multiple pairs)
  • Israeli bandage / emergency trauma dressing
  • Tourniquet (CAT or SOFT-T recommended)
  • Hemostatic gauze (QuikClot or Celox)
  • Chest seal (vented preferred)
  • SAM splint (universal splint for fractures/sprains)

3. Medications (OTC)

  • Pain relievers: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin
  • Antihistamines: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin)
  • Antacids (Tums, famotidine)
  • Anti-diarrheal (loperamide)
  • Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte packets
  • Motion sickness tablets (meclizine or Dramamine)
  • Hydrocortisone cream (for rashes/insect bites)

4. Specialized Items for Overlanding

  • Eye wash / sterile saline solution
  • Tweezers (fine-tip for splinters/ticks)
  • Snake bite suction kit (optional – mainly psychological reassurance, not recommended for actual venom removal)
  • Instant cold packs
  • Heat packs
  • Space blankets (thermal emergency blankets)
  • CPR face shield or pocket mask
  • Small flashlight/headlamp (with spare batteries)

5. Field Care & Survival Integration

  • Trauma card / quick reference guide
  • Notebook & waterproof pen (document injuries)
  • Duct tape (multi-purpose repair + medical improvisation)
  • Water purification tablets (in case stranded)
  • Extra clean water (for flushing wounds, not just drinking)
  • Hand sanitizer

6. Storage & Organization

  • Durable waterproof case (Pelican, dry bag, or MOLLE pouch system)
  • Items packed in clear resealable bags for quick ID
  • Labeled sections: “Bleeding,” “Meds,” “Burns,” “Splints,” etc.

NEW PARTNER!

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NTX Overland is now an affiliate partner with Trailsoffroad!

If you are looking for a good trail map you can use our discount code NTX_OVERLAND and get a 25% off All Access membership!   If you already have a free account and want to upgrade to all access, you will get 10$ off
https://www.trailsoffroad.com/all-access?coupon=ntx_overland

Trailsoffroad.com

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For anyone curious, affiliate marketing programs help return money back into our community, we are not profiting off of the links/signups, only recouping the costs for the money we personally spend on things like stickers and giveaway items

 

T-shirt Preorder!

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Ladies and gentlemen it’s time for our fall T-shirt pre order!

 

If you’re interested in buying an NTX Overland shirt, follow the link and fill out the form!
$30 any size
Once we get enough preorders for a batch, we will reach out to you for individual payments
Couple quick reminders:
-We already have NTX Hats($25) and stickers($free) in inventory!
-We do not ship swag …yet, you have to pick up in person/at events

Recovery 101

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🧭 Recovery 101: Get Unstuck the Smart Way

Let’s face it—if you’re wheeling hard, you’re gonna get stuck. And honestly? That’s part of the fun. But how you get out says a lot about your rig, your gear, and your trail smarts. Welcome to Recovery 101, where we break down the essentials every off-roader should have before heading out and what to do when your tires stop spinning.

🎯 Know the Situation

First rule of recovery? Stop. Think. Assess. Are you buried in mud? Perched on a rock? Frame-deep in snow? Your recovery approach depends on the terrain and how bad it really is. Don’t just yank and pray—get a game plan.

🧰 Must-Have Recovery Gear

There are a few pieces of gear no one should hit the trail without. You don’t need to drop thousands—but you do need to come prepared.

  • Soft Shackles – Safer and lighter than steel D-rings. Quick to deploy, easy to stow.
  • Kinetic Recovery Rope – Built for snatching. That stretch means smoother pulls with less shock load on both rigs.
  • Recovery Strap Kit – A solid go-to for medium to heavy pulls. Always match strap rating to your rig’s weight.
  • Recovery Boards – Great for solo recovery. Jam them under your tires for grip in sand, snow, or mud.

⚠️ Recovery Rules to Live By

  • Use recovery points—not tow balls, not bumpers, and definitely not control arms.
  • Keep bystanders clear of straps and ropes. If something fails, it turns into a whip real fast.
  • Clear communication is everything. Whether it’s hand signals, radios, or yelling over a revving engine—get on the same page before you pull.

🪛 Bonus Tools That’ll Save Your Day

Beyond straps and ropes, keep these handy:

  • Shovel – Dig out those tires or build a ramp.
  • Tire deflator + compressor – Lower pressure gets better traction in soft terrain, just don’t forget to air back up.
  • Work gloves – Your hands will thank you later.

🧭 Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a winch wizard to wheel smart—but you do need the basics. Whether you’re wheeling solo or running with a crew, recovery gear isn’t optional—it’s essential. And when you’re geared up right, getting stuck is just another story you’ll be telling around the campfire.

Offroading 101

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As you start to make your summer adventure plans, it can be tempting to jump straight out onto the trails. Whether this is your first off-road season, or you’ve been doing it for years, it’s important to remember that safety should always come first!

Keep reading for our list of Do’s and Don’ts to make sure you have a fun and safe off-road adventure this summer!

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Do: Plan Ahead

While there’s a tendency to assume that any “real adventure” should have a certain level of spontaneity and unpredictability, the truth is that off-roading is not an activity that should be taken lightly. It’s important to have a solid plan in place before setting out on your adventure. This not only ensures your safety but also allows you to fully enjoy the experience without any unnecessary stress or worry. Familiarize yourself with the local regulations, permits, and any specific rules for off-roading. Understand the terrain, weather conditions, and potential hazards you might encounter. Plan your route, inform someone about your itinerary, and use apps and gadgets designed for those journeys.

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Don’t: Go Alone

The last thing you want is to get stuck on a rock in the middle of nowhere with no phone service and no way to get back to the main road. Always make sure to bring a buddy (or travel in a pack!) when you’re taking the road less traveled. Not only is it way more fun, but they’ll be there to help you out of a bind if and when you need it. Don’t have any Jeep buddies? The good news is that both Jeep and Broncos have incredibly rich communities, and chances are there’s a local group that you can join for all your off-roading fun!

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Do: Use Suitable Off-Road Vehicles and Equipment

Let’s face it, you wouldn’t go off-roading in a Mini (or maybe you would, and frankly, we’d love to see it). Having the right equipment is a game changer when it comes to maximizing fun out on the trails.  Making sure you’ve got the right vehicle (e.g. A Jeep Wrangler, or Ford Bronco) and any essentials like a spare tire, recovery gear (such as a tow strap and winch), a first-aid kit, and emergency supplies will help make sure you don’t have to turn back at the first obstacle.

You’ll also want to make sure that you’ve prepped your vehicle for the environment. Driving your new Jeep or Bronco right off the lot and into the mountains may not be the best idea. Do some research to find out which mods will help you have the most fun out on the trails. Not only that, you’ll want to add some protective gear to your off-road warrior before you head out so that you’re not facing a massive repair bill when you get home. From underbody protection to a protective film for the windshield there are tons of options to keep you out on the road even after a weekend of off-road fun.

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Don’t: Push Beyond Your Limits

Regardless of how extreme you take it; off-roading can be addicting. It’s what makes certain headaches associated with driving a Wrangler or Bronco worth it for many of us!

But as much as that adventure is what we’re looking for, it’s always essential to recognize and respect your limits. It’s one thing to take the road less traveled, it’s another to take a serious risk that could end up in you or your fellow Jeepers getting hurt. If it’s your first time, go with a more experienced crew, but make sure that they’re aware that you may need to take it easy the first time and work up to some of the more difficult trails!

Pushing beyond your capabilities can lead to accidents and vehicle damage that are avoidable. Always know your vehicle’s limits and understand when it’s time to get help or find an alternate route.

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Do: Be Respectful of the Environment

Last but certainly not least, it’s important to keep in mind that preserving the natural environment is crucial for the sustainability of any off-roading. Respecting the environment allows you to enjoy routes, landscapes, and all the wonders you find when you’re out exploring, and destroying everything in sight just ruins it for everyone else.

Fortunately, there are often protected areas that offer a controlled environment that balances fun and adventure with preservation.

‍A few tips to make sure you’re being responsibility when you’re out there:

  1. Stick to designated trails to minimize damage to vegetation and wildlife habitats. This will help preserve the area for future generations to enjoy
  2. Remember to never disturb or harass wildlife, and always avoid littering
  3. Be sure to steer clear of sensitive areas like wetlands, fragile ecosystems, and protected wildlife reserves.
  4. And when you’re packing up, make sure to leave no trace behind. That way, you can ensure that others can enjoy the same off-road experiences in pristine surroundings.

Off-roading can be a hell of a lot of fun, but it’s important to be safe about it. If you follow these tips, you’ll have a blast without putting yourself or the environment in danger. Always stay on the designated trails, bring plenty of supplies, and never go alone. With these simple dos and don’ts in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy all the beauty of the great outdoors while keeping it healthy for future generations.

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Happy wheeling!