#1....thanks for your Service

#2....GREAT idea!

#3....I don't have the stones to ask you to write one more sentence...but any idea of a "must have" first aid kit that includes the must haves and maybe some "should haves".... Thanks for documenting this.

Thank YOU for the support. I have no problem writing more.

When we talk about should have's, these are more of sustainment things. I'll provide a short list, this stuff is more likely to go into a small backpack or something that you'll keep on you.

1. Zip lock bags. Keeps stuff waterproofed and sandproofed. And it's inexpensive. Great for money, cell phones, etc.

2. Extra water bottles or some iodine or chlorine tablets for water purification. Running water is safe to drink but you should purify it anyway. Stagnant water can be consumed if you treat it, but I wouldn't recommend it. Pack sugar and salt for electrolyte replacement.

3. String or 550-cord. 550-cord is supposed to be rated for 550lbs for ft of use.

4. A small tarp or something that can be folded up and compacted but that will act as a shelter.

5. Matches. Water proof matches, AND a lighter. Remember, fire is the most basic thing you need. You should also have a stone to create spark.

6. A carbohydrate source. "Calorie mate" is a great thing. It's got a decent shelf life, it's compact, and they aren't too bad.

7. A compass.

8. A compression sack with 2 pairs of socks, and long sleeve clothes, and a microfiber towel. If you're out in the wild and get stuck off-road and no one is around, and you have to abandon the vehicle to look for help, you should change into long sleeve clothing and also carry extra socks in case you have to traverse water. If you have to traverse water the best thing to do is pack all your clothes and shoes into the waterproof compression sack, cross the river or water, dry off, and get dressed.

Personally the only time I would drink untreated water is when I can see it coming out of the ground. Too much risk of Giardia for me. I'd rather not spend a week feeling like I just ate at Taco Bell. Much safer IMO to carry a cheap life straw or a steripen.

Yea I don't recommend drinking untreated water. You should only consume water that is treated. You can also boil water if you only have fire and some type of steel canteen or something like a steel cup. You need to boil the water then hold it at a rolling boil for at least 15 seconds. If available I would recommend boiling followed by chemical treatment. Another option is to make a system for trapping fresh rain water or condensation. That's in extreme situations though... like, survival situations. Getting into that is kinda getting off topic. If we were to do that we'd venture into what types of plants and insects are ok to consume, as well as small animal trapping.

I use CBD from mj so it has a small THC % but I think it's more effective than hemp based CBD. It helps on nights where I'm having trouble sleeping.
That's all I use it for though. I still think a lot of it is snake oil (anti-inflammatory properties for example)

Thanks for this post @VoodooTitan

I rarely use it. Twice a month maybe.

You do realize that this EllieMonson character is a marketing spammer, or a bot?
Check out his/her other posts.

BTW, concerning CBD oil, I tried it and it didn’t do anything for me. Save your money for something else that works.

If you can stomach the egos and politics, National Ski Patrol has very good program for outdoor emergency care. I am an EMT, and the NSP Basic course is probably 60% of the EMT class content with more hands-on and practical experience.

Good write up. I took a grid-down first aid class that was an excellent refresher from Combat Lifesaver (Army course).

excellent information

Several points worth considering:

1. I carry "Medicine for Mountaineering" in my First Aid Bag.
2. I carry spare eyeglasses in my bag.
3. NOT TRUE: "***Note about anti-biotics***
If you've never taken them you could be allergic to them. Talk to a doctor prior to. When building a home first aid kit, you want something that is broad-spectrum and covers down on MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Bactrim DS is a great option."
You must be exposed to an allergen at least once to develop anti-bodies/histamine reactions. I worked with a botanist who came in one day covered in ointment. He had developed the allergic rash to poison oak after 20 years exposure!