By Dr. Alan Goodson

Many variables may interfere with a successful hunting trip. Anticipating these problems and preparing for the contingencies is wise-and could save your hunt or your life. A well-equipped medical kit should be part of this planning.

You can make your own emergency kit by stocking a tackle box or a small pack with the following items:
Dressing Supplies
• Soap-bar or liquid (Dial or Ivory)
• Antiseptic solution, 4oz bottle (Betadine)
• Hydrogen peroxide, 4oz bottle
• Antibiotic ointment, 1oz tube (Polysporin/Bacitracin)
• 10 adaptic dressings, 3" x 3"
• 24 sterile dressing pads, 4" x 4"
• 4 Kerlix or Kling roll bandages, 4" x 5 yds
• 3 surgipads, 8" x 10" or ABD pads, 8" x 8"
• 1 roll waterproof adhesive tape, 1" x 5 yds
• 8 Spenco second skin dressings, 3" x 3" for abrasions or blisters
• 50 Band-Aids, 1" x 3"
• 20 skin closure strips, 1/4" x 3"
• Lip balm/salve
• Zinc oxide, 1oz for physical sunblock
• Cavit, 7gm tube for emergency dental repairs
• Personal medications as indicated

Miscellaneous Accessories
• Large safety pins
• Tongue blades-apply ointments/splints
• Tweezers or needle nose pliers-splinters/fish hook removal
• Scissors
• Moleskin-protect blisters/pressure points
• Spare glasses/contact lens
• 2 Ace bandages, rubberized 3" and 6" wide
• Bulb syringe for irrigating, 60cc
• Compound benzoin tincture, 2oz
• 4 sterile eye pads
Note: Store dressings/bandages in waterproof container or zip-lock bags.Medications
• 30 analgesic tablets (aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen) for mild pain
• 10 dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) tablets, 50mg or 20 meclizine (Antivert) tablets, 12.5mg for motion sickness
• 20 Claritin tablets for allergy symptoms
• 30 diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablets, 25mg for allergic reactions, itching and insomnia
• 30 Immodium tablets for diarrhea and cramping
• 10 Phenergan rectal suppositories, 25mg (prescription) for nausea/vomiting
• 30 Tylenol #3 tablets or equivalent (prescription) for severe pain
• 20 Keflex capsules or equivalent, 500mg (prescription) for wound infections or compound fractures
• 4 Transderm SCOP patches (prescription)-best for motion sickness prevention
• 2 bee sting allergy kits (Epi-pen prescription) for self treatment of severe life-threatening insect sting allergic reactions/anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals as directed by your physician
• Stingeze for topical treatment of insect bites
• Antacids/Maalox/Mylanta
• Saline nasal spray for nasal drying/irritation
• Visine eye drops 0.05%, 1/2 oz for eye irritation
• Saline eye drops for dry eyes
• Lotrimin cream 1%, 30gm tube for athletes foot
• Hydrocortisone 0.5% cream, 1oz tube for itching skin, insect bites, poison ivy, etc
• Solarcaine lotion, 3oz for sunburn relief
• Sunscreen, SPF 15 or greater, 8oz

Note: Any prescription drugs may need to be substituted if you are allergic to those recommended. Please consult your personal physician.

For those interested in more information, a good reference book would be, Simon & Shuster's Pocket Guide to Wilderness by Dr. Paul G. Gill, Jr.
M. Alan Goodson, MD