First Aid Kit - Basic items to take?

[TheLazyPilgrim]

Howdy folks!

I just wanted to run through my list of 12 items that I will be packing into a small First Aid Kit which I will be taking with me on the Camino Frances in September 2018. I understand that there are many pharmacies along the way and that keeping things light is a priority, but I believe that if there was an injury or an illness and I was between two pharmacies then I would like to have these 12 items on my person. What I wanted to know is if there is anything you think I wouldn't need, or anything I should add?

1. Fabric Bandaids
2. Gauze Patches
3. Blister Protection (Compeed)
4. Ibuprofen
5. Immodium
6. Scissors
7. Tweezers
8. Rolled Bandage
9. Triangular Bandage
10. Alcohol Cleansing Wipes
11. Antiseptic Cream
12. Tape

Obviously, ideally I could take a proper first aid kit, but I just wanted to make sure I had all of the basic injuries and illnesses covered. Please feel free to share your thoughts on the above - I'm keen for some of your sweet, sweet knowledge!

I will also be taking a sewing kit which will contain safety pins, and a fold up knife in case I need to amputate a finger, or cut up some chorizo.

Scott

 

[La Brique Jaune]

Hi,

Maybe This
12. Latex Glove for your protection if you help somebody.
13. I think it's call butterfly closure bandage

Last Year: I had two separates kits one for my blisters and another one for emergency.

 

[Devereaux]

Maybe moleskin.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

My first aid kit has shrunk every time I go back. There are many Pharmacies (and the people who work there wear white coats!) along the way so I just pick up what I need when I need it. In my opinion, and this is just my experience, the two most critical items on your list are a NSAID (I prefer Aleve or “norproxy sodio” rather than ibuprofen) and something for diarrhea. You should also learn to pronounce diarrhea if you run out of said pills.

I don’t bring any of the other stuff, but I don’t get blisters either so that might be a game changer.

Funny story: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...tip-how-to-pronounce-diarrhea-in-spain.37387/

 

[FourSeasons]

I never travel without NyQuil gelcaps. At the first hint of sore throat or feeling a cold coming on....I go to bed early after taking two gelcaps. Wipes it out.
I've walked two Camino's and both times many pilgrims caught cold (Camino cough). Several had to go to doctor to get meds. NyQuil gelcaps, my little secret.
Also my ibuprofen is Advil regular and PM. PM for those nights of aches and pains plus it knocks me out for a good nights sleep. Wake up ready to conquer those clicks.

Buen Camino!!

 

[C clearly]

Howdy folks!
I just wanted to run through my list of 12 items that I will be packing into a small First Aid Kit which I will be taking with me on the Camino Frances in September 2018. I understand that there are many pharmacies along the way and that keeping things light is a priority, but I believe that if there was an injury or an illness and I was between two pharmacies then I would like to have these 12 items on my person. What I wanted to know is if there is anything you think I wouldn't need, or anything I should add?

1. Fabric Bandaids
2. Gauze Patches
3. Blister Protection (Compeed)
4. Ibuprofen
5. Immodium
6. Scissors
7. Tweezers
8. Rolled Bandage
9. Triangular Bandage
10. Alcohol Cleansing Wipes
11. Antiseptic Cream
12. Tape

Scott

The list looks good. I don't take the rolled bandage (maybe I could fashion something temporary out of tape if necessary) or the triangular (I have a scarf that could be a sling). I take all-purpose paper tape and Omnifix Stretch tape. I also carry a couple of Aspirins (for heart attacks), and 2 or 3 Gravol and antihistamine pills.

 

[trecile]

I think that you could probably get by with two bandaids, some antibiotic ointment and a couple of alcohol cleansing wipes. Anything else that you need can be purchased at a farmacia.

 

[Oravasaari]

Mine looks similar to yours except I don't take scissors (I always carry my pack as hand luggage on flights), neither do I take antiseptic cream (heavy/can be bought if needed), no trangular bandage either (neck scarf/bandana I use would suffice).

 

[trecile]

Mine looks similar to yours except I don't take scissors (I always carry my pack as hand luggage on flights), neither do I take antiseptic cream (heavy/can be bought if needed), no trangular bandage either (neck scarf/bandana I use would suffice).

I take a small pair of blunt ended scissors that can go into hand luggage to cut my beloved Omnifix tape.

 

[t2andreo]

Trecile's 'blunt-edged' scissors are also called kiddie scissors. I buy mine in the local supermarket. Ironically, they ARE airline cabin legal.

I include mine in my carry-on bag so I can more easily open the protein powder packets I must carry with me. Of course, they can do any number of other tasks, as well and potentially as harmfully, as any other pair of scissors. But, they allow them. I carry them. This addresses my en-route needs.

In 15-years traveling with the small round-tipped scissors, I have never had a problem. At the same time, I have had several tiny multi-tools confiscated for a varied of inane reasons. These tiny tools do NOT have a knife blade or cutting edge. However, because they are considered 'tools,' some countries do not allow them past security screening. The US / TSA DOES allow them, always, but Spain did not - twice.

I have given up trying to educate various security officers about the difference between a standard sized pair of pliers or a scissor, and the otherwise legal itsy-bitsy pocket tool. Now, I just check everything EXCEPT my kiddie scissors.

Hope this helps.

 

[Chris Gi]

Howdy folks!

I just wanted to run through my list of 12 items that I will be packing into a small First Aid Kit which I will be taking with me on the Camino Frances in September 2018. I understand that there are many pharmacies along the way and that keeping things light is a priority, but I believe that if there was an injury or an illness and I was between two pharmacies then I would like to have these 12 items on my person. What I wanted to know is if there is anything you think I wouldn't need, or anything I should add?

1. Fabric Bandaids
2. Gauze Patches
3. Blister Protection (Compeed)
4. Ibuprofen
5. Immodium
6. Scissors
7. Tweezers
8. Rolled Bandage
9. Triangular Bandage
10. Alcohol Cleansing Wipes
11. Antiseptic Cream
12. Tape

Obviously, ideally I could take a proper first aid kit, but I just wanted to make sure I had all of the basic injuries and illnesses covered. Please feel free to share your thoughts on the above - I'm keen for some of your sweet, sweet knowledge!

I will also be taking a sewing kit which will contain safety pins, and a fold up knife in case I need to amputate a finger, or cut up some chorizo.

Scott

You can get most of that stuff on the Camino. Lots of pharmacies on the way.

 

[C clearly]

You can get most of that stuff on the Camino. Lots of pharmacies on the way.

Of course you can! But you are not constantly within minutes of an open pharmacy.

 

[Kitsambler]

As a Wilderness First Responder, two points to add.
First: you do not need antiseptic cream/antibiotic ointment. Just irrigate the wound thoroughly with water clean enough to drink (that is, squirt an entire water bottle onto the wound) (you cannot over-irrigate). Alcohol prep pads are for cleaning metal instruments, not wounds, so if all you have is scissors, you don't need alcohol prep pads either.
Second: walking elsewhere than the C Frances, there are many fewer towns, many more closing days (especially France) so you will want to carry supplies for a wider range of eventualities.

 

[Lunchmeat337]

Don't forget to take a cookscrew in case vino tinto is needed for medical purposes. It may come in handy.

 

[maggiec]

Howdy folks!

I just wanted to run through my list of 12 items that I will be packing into a small First Aid Kit which I will be taking with me on the Camino Frances in September 2018. I understand that there are many pharmacies along the way and that keeping things light is a priority, but I believe that if there was an injury or an illness and I was between two pharmacies then I would like to have these 12 items on my person. What I wanted to know is if there is anything you think I wouldn't need, or anything I should add?

1. Fabric Bandaids
2. Gauze Patches
3. Blister Protection (Compeed)
4. Ibuprofen
5. Immodium
6. Scissors
7. Tweezers
8. Rolled Bandage
9. Triangular Bandage
10. Alcohol Cleansing Wipes
11. Antiseptic Cream
12. Tape

Obviously, ideally I could take a proper first aid kit, but I just wanted to make sure I had all of the basic injuries and illnesses covered. Please feel free to share your thoughts on the above - I'm keen for some of your sweet, sweet knowledge!

I will also be taking a sewing kit which will contain safety pins, and a fold up knife in case I need to amputate a finger, or cut up some chorizo.

Scott

Pharmacies everywhere. I take nail scissors, band aids, Betadine, toe gels and scalpel blades to pop blisters

Howdy folks!

I just wanted to run through my list of 12 items that I will be packing into a small First Aid Kit which I will be taking with me on the Camino Frances in September 2018. I understand that there are many pharmacies along the way and that keeping things light is a priority, but I believe that if there was an injury or an illness and I was between two pharmacies then I would like to have these 12 items on my person. What I wanted to know is if there is anything you think I wouldn't need, or anything I should add?

1. Fabric Bandaids
2. Gauze Patches
3. Blister Protection (Compeed)
4. Ibuprofen
5. Immodium
6. Scissors
7. Tweezers
8. Rolled Bandage
9. Triangular Bandage
10. Alcohol Cleansing Wipes
11. Antiseptic Cream
12. Tape

Obviously, ideally I could take a proper first aid kit, but I just wanted to make sure I had all of the basic injuries and illnesses covered. Please feel free to share your thoughts on the above - I'm keen for some of your sweet, sweet knowledge!

I will also be taking a sewing kit which will contain safety pins, and a fold up knife in case I need to amputate a finger, or cut up some chorizo.

Scott

pharmacies everywhere! I take Betadine, bandaids, toe gels, scalpel blades (already sterilised) and alcohol wipes for blisters, anti diarrhoea and nausea tabs. That’s it. You can buy anything else there

 

[Esauro57]

i don't take compeed...on a blister it doubles its size ...even though you can walk and no pain is felt...but once you remove your socks...you will get a shock in noticing how your blister has grown to the full size of the compeed... and to make things worse ...you will have to say good bye to your new socks:-Compeed.. makes a mess which is almost impossible to clean especially using your simple pilgrim soap bar... soiling and stiffening them so they become a sandpaper in the shape of a sock
do not take scissors ... or cork screws ...i use a Swiss army Knife Victorinox Climber #1.3703 that has both...do not take it as hand luggage or worse...do not have it on you! or it will not pass the controls...pay for luggage and put your folding poles& swiss army, in your backpack... in this way you will have no control problems...
...needles, cotton thread, and Betadine Gel 30g (Iodine based disinfectant) for blisters...a few gauze swabs and Sensitive skin "cloth" adhesive roll:- the type you can cut without sissors as its "paper like" and so lets the blister wounds dry faster ...after the needle work is done take a small amount of anti-inflammatory like Voltaren 50 mg ( Diclorofenac potassic) use it only wth a full stomach ...after dinner and only if you have problems!
Go get a check up:- vist your dentist / doctor as a precaution a month before the cammino a tell him you are going to do this "mad" thing;-) he will get shocked and prescibe you a stronger form of pain killers / anti-inflammatory things... just in case you need them. (You probably will not use them ...but it's like having a Linux Blanket with you... and the do not cost much anyway ...and are light ).

 

[Deleted member 32363]

I take allergy/anti-histamine pills: drowsy and non. Also antiseptic ointment, bandaids, tape,Tylenol w/codeine. As per others, there are always someone else/pharmacy around for other items. I also take my precious elastic knee braces for the mountains descent!

 

[TheLazyPilgrim]

Thank you to everyone who has replied - I have reviewed my list and I'm going to drop it down to 10 items - removing the alcohol cleansing wipes and the antiseptic cream.

La Brique: I have done first aid and combat first aid courses and as my instructors have told me - latex gloves aren't always going to be available, but that shouldn't stop me from at least attempting to help someone. Obviously if I have any open wounds myself I'll have to improvise somehow. As for the butterfly bandage, I can improvise with the safety pins in my sewing kit.

Damien: I loved reading your post - I have made damn sure I know how to pronounce spitty bum now. That said, I am taking ibuprofen and immodium for my aches and pains, and my potential bathroom incidents. I have found immodium has helped me when I was travelling through South East Asia so I'm comfortable with that!

To everyone who told me not to worry about the triangle/rolled bandages - I won't be taking a scarf and these are relatively small and light so if I am smack bang between two pharmacies and come across someone needing one of these, or if I need one myself, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'm also taking scissors because I'm checking everything when I fly over so they shouldn't get confiscated, and my knife isn't so much a pocket tool as a knife used for many tasks...but cutting tape safely probably isn't one of them.

Chris Gi - I touched on that in my original post. I'm well aware that you can get these things in pharmarcies in Spain, but I'd hate to come across someone who needed even just a little help and have to turn away because I didn't have the necessary items to help them there and then. "I'll be back in an hour, I think I saw a pharmacy 5km's back down the road. Try not to bleed out" isn't going to help anyone.

Kitsambler: Point taken! I'll ditch the anti-septic creams and the alcohol wipes. I'll just make sure my whisky flask is always half full!

Esauro: Thanks for the advice on the compeed! I'll look for an alternative for blister control.

Kalavati: I won't be taking anti-histamine medication because I don't have any allergies, but good idea for those that do!

Again, thanks for everyone for replying!

 

[Albertagirl]

Thank you to everyone who has replied - I have reviewed my list and I'm going to drop it down to 10 items - removing the alcohol cleansing wipes and the antiseptic cream.

La Brique: I have done first aid and combat first aid courses and as my instructors have told me - latex gloves aren't always going to be available, but that shouldn't stop me from at least attempting to help someone. Obviously if I have any open wounds myself I'll have to improvise somehow. As for the butterfly bandage, I can improvise with the safety pins in my sewing kit.

Damien: I loved reading your post - I have made damn sure I know how to pronounce spitty bum now. That said, I am taking ibuprofen and immodium for my aches and pains, and my potential bathroom incidents. I have found immodium has helped me when I was travelling through South East Asia so I'm comfortable with that!

To everyone who told me not to worry about the triangle/rolled bandages - I won't be taking a scarf and these are relatively small and light so if I am smack bang between two pharmacies and come across someone needing one of these, or if I need one myself, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I'm also taking scissors because I'm checking everything when I fly over so they shouldn't get confiscated, and my knife isn't so much a pocket tool as a knife used for many tasks...but cutting tape safely probably isn't one of them.

Chris Gi - I touched on that in my original post. I'm well aware that you can get these things in pharmarcies in Spain, but I'd hate to come across someone who needed even just a little help and have to turn away because I didn't have the necessary items to help them there and then. "I'll be back in an hour, I think I saw a pharmacy 5km's back down the road. Try not to bleed out" isn't going to help anyone.

Kitsambler: Point taken! I'll ditch the anti-septic creams and the alcohol wipes. I'll just make sure my whisky flask is always half full!

Esauro: Thanks for the advice on the compeed! I'll look for an alternative for blister control.

Kalavati: I won't be taking anti-histamine medication because I don't have any allergies, but good idea for those that do!

Again, thanks for everyone for replying!

@TheLazyPilgrim
About the allergy medication, I have carried a few tablets of Novo-Pheniram (chlorpheniramine maleate, 4 mg.) on my three caminos. I can only remember using them once, when a young Korean pilgrim who had been bitten by bedbugs had a severe allergic reaction and had his face and throat covered by welts. I gave him two tablets, which he swallowed down gratefully. As far as I know, anti-histamines are safe to share and can provide relief to someone who has none available and no immediate access to a pharmacy. You might consider taking a few for this reason.

 

[tillyjones]

I can't see much need for the triangular bandage. Its a relatively heavy item. I think you can achieve most things you would need it for with something else especially in a true emergency situation. And other people will pitch in to sort you out.

 

[Leigh Lorayne]

I second the Omnifix tape! Whenever I felt a hotspot I applied and never got any blisters on two Caminos. I also used Leukotape or Kinesiology tape. Even a few pieces can support an injured joint until resupplying at a pharmacy ( they do sell in Spain).
Buen Camino!

 

[arch]

Maybe moleskin.

Better than compeed. Apply moleskin at first sign of hot spot

 

[Gareth Griffith]

Leukotape has been recommended previously and I'd second that recomendation (2 rolls). Tape your feet up in the morning wear two pairs of socks, one thin wicking pair under a pair of thick merino wool and you won't need any other blister protection.
Voltarol or ibuprofen gel is something that I did carry but never used. I did however let a few pilgrims have the use of it FOC.
On a lighter note I'd not bother with any medication as it appears everybody else will be carrying a full set of kit!

 

[Deleted member 29041]

I carry what I always carry in my left thigh pocket, everywhere I go:

• A personal IDF dressing - add a pebble or small stick, and it can become a pressure bandage. 36 gram
• A small package of quick-clot. 2 gram
• A few band aids. 2 gram
• Two disinfecting (alcohol) wet wipes. 4 gram each

Supplemented with what I have in my bag:

• Two more wipes
• A few Paracatamol tablets
• Two magnyl tablets
• A blister kit (Compeed)
• Forsvarets hudsavle (universal skin care and lip balm and .. , google it). 13 gram

Some would count my basic repair kit (a few safety pins, two sewing needles, a bit of thread and a length of gorilla tape), as well as my buff and my belt, as part of the first aid kit.

 

[TheLazyPilgrim]

Leukotape has been recommended previously and I'd second that recomendation (2 rolls). Tape your feet up in the morning wear two pairs of socks, one thin wicking pair under a pair of thick merino wool and you won't need any other blister protection.
Voltarol or ibuprofen gel is something that I did carry but never used. I did however let a few pilgrims have the use of it FOC.
On a lighter note I'd not bother with any medication as it appears everybody else will be carrying a full set of kit!

I think I'm going to stick with Moleskin for the time being because I have gone for many a long walk with my boots already and I haven't had even an inkling of a hot spot coming on. If I do, I'll head straight to the nearest pharmacy and follow your above advice!

 

[trecile]

I brought Leukotape on my first Camino, and didn't use it much. It's very sticky, and leaves a lot of residue on your feet and socks. Last year, my friend had brought moleskin, and was putting it on her feet every day. When she ran out we tried to find some more at a farmacia. The pharmacist recommended Ominfix instead. It's fantastic. Thin, flexible and not a lot of sticky residue.

 

[Richard Smith]

nix these two

Rolled Bandage
Triangular Bandage

 

[TheLazyPilgrim]

I've put them in my First Aid kit and it weights less than 100grams and takes up less space than my John Brierley guide so I think they'll stay!

 

[Ronald Boivin]

Howdy folks!

I just wanted to run through my list of 12 items that I will be packing into a small First Aid Kit which I will be taking with me on the Camino Frances in September 2018. I understand that there are many pharmacies along the way and that keeping things light is a priority, but I believe that if there was an injury or an illness and I was between two pharmacies then I would like to have these 12 items on my person. What I wanted to know is if there is anything you think I wouldn't need, or anything I should add?

1. Fabric Bandaids
2. Gauze Patches
3. Blister Protection (Compeed)
4. Ibuprofen
5. Immodium
6. Scissors
7. Tweezers
8. Rolled Bandage
9. Triangular Bandage
10. Alcohol Cleansing Wipes
11. Antiseptic Cream
12. Tape

Obviously, ideally I could take a proper first aid kit, but I just wanted to make sure I had all of the basic injuries and illnesses covered. Please feel free to share your thoughts on the above - I'm keen for some of your sweet, sweet knowledge!

I will also be taking a sewing kit which will contain safety pins, and a fold up knife in case I need to amputate a finger, or cut up some chorizo.

Scott

Add Betadine or Iodine paste to cover blisters. Powerful antibiotic

 

[dougfitz]

Along similar lines, (4) 10' of paracord is mainly a clothes line, but could serve as a tourniquet in the very unlikely situation that one is needed.

Hardly a recommended first aid technique! Anything that narrow will cause tissue and nerve damage. If you are expecting to stem bleeding, a pressure bandage over the wound site would be a better option, such as a triangular bandage folded into a wider strip and pressed down or tied tightly. The Camino is not a battlefield where one is likely to have to deal with someone who has lost part of a limb!

ps and yes, I am aware that people lose limbs in motorcycle, car and machinery accidents in civilian life, although I am not expecting as a walking pilgrim to be prepared for every conceivable emergency.

 

[henrythedog]

I was interested to see what basic first aid items people carried. OP's list is better prepared than me, as from this list I only have in my pack: (1) Fabric bandaids, and (2) Ibuprofen [NB if needed by someone else, check whether they have any allergies or incompatibilities]. I agree with @Kitsambler that water is good for cleaning the minor wounds I might encounter, until they can be properly looked at. I do also have (3) a mylar survival blanket, as I have seen these being impressively helpful for people who need medical attention and are lying down getting cold in the rain - and it is multi-use as well. Along similar lines, (4) 10' of paracord is mainly a clothes line, but could serve as a tourniquet in the very unlikely situation that one is needed.

Two ibuprofen a clean handkerchief and a telephone is enough to see you to the nearest pharmacy. Plus your favourite blister-alleviation kit I suppose.

Application of a tourniquet featured in military training decades ago but has never featured in civilian training in my experience. It’s not something to even consider. I’d stick to use as a washing-line; if there wasn’t a washing line pretty much everywhere.

Aluminised foil blankets are useful for keeping the rain off, nothing more.

 

[Former member 92300]

I just take a very small basic blister prevention care first aid kit. For me that is compeed (no, I don’t apply it to an already forming blister), bandaids, and tiny packets of antibiotic ointment plus I sterilize safety pins if I need to pierce and drain a blister. My medications include prescription, ibuprofen, and Benadryl. And then sunscreen for burn prevention. . Anything else I need I buy in Spain.

 

[Donna Sch]

A couple of alcohol wipes, tweezers, scissors, needle and thread, K-tape, a few strips of fixomull, emergency blanket, scalpel blade, Panadol, Aspirin. Maybe some Kunzea cream. My other half is asthmatic so he has Ventolin which is useful to spray on itchy bites; magnesium tabs for him. Imodium can be useful although I have not needed it in Spain.

 

[Robo]

Looks like a good list to me.

I carry quite a bit of stuff, (in very small quantities) as I work on the assumption that if there is a section 10 kms from any help, that is where I'll have a problem.
And on recent Caminos, I have tended to be in more remote areas where the closest pharmacy might be 30 kms+ with no one else around, and so a degree 'self help' makes sense.
(if things are serious I have Alert Cops on my phone)

Much of this is specific to my own particular needs of course.
All meds I take are discussed with my GP, so that I understand how they are best used, and some are only ('just in case')

i.e. the strong pain killers are for tendon issues I have, just in case they get bad, and to enable me to 'walk out' to help. (never needed so far - but close a couple of times)

1. 1 x small gauge bandage, mainly used to strap on ice packs at breaks.
2. If I need pressure pads or larger bandages I'll use items of clothing.
3. Iodine, betadine or similar (tiny 10 ml nalgene bottle)
4. Lavender oil. For burns, sunburn, insect bites etc. (10 ml nalgene bottle)
5. Sunblock SPF 50. (small 20 ml nalgene bottle)
6. Bandaids x 6.
7. Anti histamine tabs x 6
8. Strapping tape.
9. Panadol - OTC painkiller (12 tabs)
10. Stronger prescription pain killer (6 tabs)
11. Anti Inflam tablets (12 tabs)
12. Regular prescription meds x 2 (enough for Camino duration)
13. Alcohol swabs x 6
14. Very Small Swiss Army knife (if I need a blade but used for other things)
15. Sterile blades (tiny, in case I need to lance a blister)
16. Sheeps wool (used daily for blister prevention)
17. Knee braces (used now and again)
18. Ankle braces (used at times if tendons bad)
19. 2 x hydration sachets or tabs.
20. Lightweight foam roller. Used a lot for back, shins.

Probably the most important item! Enough water.
(I tend to also use either salt tabs or Aquarius - small bottle along with the water)

Knowing how to use what you carry is important too.
Whilst I did countless First Aid courses in the Military, Pat and I still keep up to date by doing a 1 day local first aid course every 2-3 years. A good refresher.