# First Aid & Survival Kits Part of the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/wilderness-survival/guide/index.md) *Survival Foundations* > **4.** Put together a personal first aid kit and a personal survival kit. Show how items in the kits are used. A first aid kit and a survival kit are different. A first aid kit treats injuries. A survival kit keeps you alive when you're stranded. Both need to be built, organized, and—most importantly—actually carried with you on every outing. ## Building a Personal First Aid Kit Your first aid kit should be small enough to fit in a pocket or backpack pouch, but comprehensive enough to handle common injuries. ### Essential Items **Bandages & Wound Care:** - Adhesive bandages (various sizes) - Sterile gauze pads (2x2" and 4x4") - Medical tape - Antibiotic ointment (small tube) - Antiseptic wipes or alcohol prep pads - Tweezers (splinters, ticks) **Pain & Inflammation:** - Pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) - Antihistamine (for allergies, insect bites) - Hydrocortisone cream (1%) for itch **Specialized Items:** - Elastic bandage (for sprains) - Triangular bandage (sling or securing large wound) - Moleskin or blister treatment - Nail clippers (small) **Personal Medications:** - Any prescription medications you take - EpiPen (if you have severe allergies) ### Organization Tips - Keep everything in a waterproof pouch or bag - Label items clearly - Check expiration dates periodically - Replace used items after each trip - Keep a simple instruction card (basic first aid steps) ## Building a Personal Survival Kit Your survival kit is tailored to your environment and trip length. It includes items beyond the Scout Essentials that specifically address survival needs. ### Core Items (Every Trip) - **Emergency shelter:** Space blanket or emergency bivvy - **Paracord:** 30-50 feet (1000 uses in the wilderness) - **Signaling mirror:** More visible than a whistle alone - **Whistle:** Backup to your voice - **Fire starters:** Extra matches, lighter, ferro rod in waterproof pouch - **Water treatment:** Purification tablets, water filter, or iodine - **Extra food:** Energy bars, nuts, jerky beyond planned meals - **Headlamp:** With extra batteries - **Navigation:** Backup map and compass ### Environment-Specific Additions **Cold weather:** - Wool hat and gloves - Emergency sleeping bag or thick blanket - Hand/foot warmers **Hot/dry:** - Extra water containers - Sunscreen - Electrolyte drink mix - Wide-brimmed hat **Wet conditions:** - Waterproof bag or dry sack - Extra socks - Quick-dry towel ## Demonstrating Kit Usage When you show your counselor your kits, explain the purpose of each item and how you'd use it: **First aid kit example:** "This antihistamine treats allergic reactions from insect bites. I'd give it to someone swelling from a bee sting. This elastic bandage immobilizes a sprained ankle. This tweezers removes ticks or splinters." **Survival kit example:** "This space blanket reflects body heat and weighs almost nothing. If I got separated from my tent, I'd use it as emergency shelter. This paracord has 1000 uses—I could build a shelter, secure gear, or create a litter to evacuate an injured person. This signal mirror is visible for miles on a clear day—far more visible than a whistle." [Personal Family Troop First Aid Kit Checklist](https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Requirement%20Resources/Wilderness%20Survival/Personal%20Family%20Troop%20First%20Aid%20Kit%20Checklist.pdf): Official Scouting first aid kit checklist (PDF). [First Aid Kit Buying Guide](https://scoutlife.org/video-audio/4937/first-aid-kit-buying-guide/): ScoutLife article on choosing and building first aid kits. [Scout Essentials for Wilderness Survival](https://troopleader.scouting.org/program-features/wilderness-survival/information/): Official Scouting guide to wilderness survival essentials. [Survival Kit List](https://assets.kalkomey.com/hunter/pdfs/maine-survival-kit.pdf): Comprehensive survival kit checklist (PDF). ## Practice Using Your Kit Don't wait until an emergency to learn how to use your kit. Practice at home: - Wrap a sprained ankle with the elastic bandage - Use tweezers to remove a splinter - Apply a bandage to a minor cut - Assemble a fire using your fire starter - Use your headlamp in darkness - Purify water using your treatment method - Use your signal mirror in sunlight Familiarity breeds confidence. You want your items to be second nature when you really need them. > **Be Prepared! You Need to Treat a Blister Immediately** > > You're 5 miles into a hike and feel a hot spot forming on your heel. > > - **Stop immediately.** Don't push through. Early treatment prevents a serious blister. > - **Clean the area:** Use an antiseptic wipe from your kit. > - **Apply moleskin:** If you have it, apply moleskin around the hot spot (not on the blister itself yet). > - **Tape the area:** Use medical tape to secure it and prevent further rubbing. > - **Keep monitoring:** Check the area regularly. If a blister forms despite prevention, treat it. > - **Continue hiking:** The blister is prevented or minimal. You can finish your hike comfortably. > > Without your first aid kit, a hot spot becomes a painful blister that ends your hike. With it, you keep going. > **Did You Know?** > > The items in a good first aid and survival kit rarely get used on any single trip. But the Scout who carries one is prepared for the unexpected, while the Scout without one is vulnerable. Over a lifetime of outdoor adventures, that difference is huge. > **Tip** > > Store your kits in locations where you'll actually have them—one in your backpack, one in your car, one at home. If they're not with you, they can't help you. --- - Previous: [Avoiding Panic & Maintaining Morale](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/wilderness-survival/guide/req3/index.md) - Next: [Exposure Conditions](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/wilderness-survival/guide/req5a/index.md)