I prefer to follow the boy scout motto Be Prepared when it comes to hiking first aid. I have found that the times when I disregarded this motto was when I faced the consequences of being unprepared. When hiking it is essential that you pack a basic first aid kit. Even if you are just going on a short day hike, you should still be prepared. Injuries and accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime, no matter the difficulty and duration of the hike. Items in your first aid kit should include (all of these items can be found at any pharmacy):

• Bandaids of various shapes and sizes
• Ace bandages (great for sprained ankles or extra support)
• Gauze
• Mole skin (a must for blister-sufferers)
• Medical tape
• Rubbing alcohol (I recommend buying a small bottle or washing out a small travel size shampoo bottle and filling it with rubbing alcohol)
• Sissors or pocket knife
• Popsicle sticks or emery board (good for simple splints)
• Antiseptic swabs or wet naps (great for preventing infection and cleaning a wound area)
• Aspirin/Tylenol
• Feminine aapkins (these are great to stop excessive bleeding)
• A box or case for all your first aid stuff. I recommend using an old pencil box or even just a large sealable sandwich baggie.

A first aid kit is not the only thing to consider when it comes to outdoor first aid. Know the terrain and do not hike alone. Just this past summer an experienced hiker was hiking through some of Utah's back country and a boulder fell on his arm. He had the unfortunate task of has to cut off his own arm in order to survive. Had this hiker made the decision to bring others with him on this trip, the outcome of this accident would have been much different, and he would not have had to make such a horrible choice. If you do choose to hike alone, please make sure that you let others know exactly where you will be going and when you expect to return.

Other Things to Remember

Always pack enough water for yourself. Dehydration is not something you want to experience on a hike. I also recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and make sure that your hiking shoes are properly broken in and are suited for your hike. I have had two foot surgeries, and my left foot is broken. I can still hike because I have chosen specialized footwear, and I always bring extra foot support bandages for the difficult trips.

It is essential to dress appropriately for your hike. Hats and sunglasses help to provide protection from the sun. Sunscreen is a must. If you are fair-skinned like I am, you won't even consider a day hike with applying sunscreen. Skin cancer is no laughing. My father works for the Forest Service as a telecommunications specialist. Part of his job is to hike up to the communication towers on top of the hike mountain peaks. He never cared to wear sunscreen or a hat until he was diagnosed with skin cancer. Over the past years, he has had growths removed from his face and ears. Now you won't catch him on top of a peak without a hat and sunscreen.

When it comes to first aid, be safe, be smart and be prepared!