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Blisters

Change into a fresh pair of socks IMMEDIATELY upon noticing any friction or irritation. Leave blisters intact unless infection is suspected. Spenco 2nd Skin (moleskin) may help if used early.

Snake Bite Kits

Forget ice, constriction bands, or tiny kits with razor-sharp blades and suction cups.   The Sawyer Extractor ( http://www.sawyerproducts.com/Extractor/ ) is the only snake bite kit that is actually acknowledged as useful in certain situations. But the best procedure: Get the victim to a hospital where antivenin may be given safely.

Medications

• Tylenol: To reduce fever and pain
• Insect repellent--this is a whole subject in itself, so read the labels carefully
• Ibuprofen (Nuprin, Motrin, Advil): To reduce swelling
• Benadryl: For mild allergic reactions
• Epinephrine: An Epi Pen to treat serious allergic reactions
• Vaseline
• Sunscreen - For maximum protection, use 30+ sunblock or higher
• Tecnu-brand poison ivy and oak skin cleaner

Water purification

Useful in an emergency: a small bottle with water and crystalline iodine (tetraglycine hydroperiodide TGHPI) - the Kahn Visscher technique. Not for people with thyroid disease or iodine allergy. A filter is also required for removing protozoan parasites, such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia . For details, see: http://www.paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat145.html

First Aid Procedures

Of course you need more than a good kit to be of use in First Aid situations - you need to know how to use the items in your kit. There are a dizzying number of First Aid procedures you can learn, and again we refer you to the Red Cross site for training information. The important thing to remember is that problems compromising major life functions - respiration, circulation, and brain function - require immediate medical attention. In such cases, the fundamental first steps of proper First Aid procedure involve:

• Checking the exact condition
• Calling for assistance
• Care to stabilize or minimize the condition

Being trained in First Aid does not make you even an amateur physician. And chances are you'll never need to use this knowledge in a trip to Cook Forest, where you can followed marked trails and where help is usually close-by.   But if something were to come up, hopefully you can prevent a problem from getting worse.

*This article is for informational purposes and not to be construed as specified medical advice. For professional advice regarding First Aid,   consult your physician or a certified first aid expert.

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