Summarize the following:
Bring medical items to assist you in the event that your medical condition worsens. For example, if you are diabetic, it is a good idea to pack extra insulin. Or, if you’ve suffered from ankle injuries in the past you may want to pack extra gauze in case of a sprain. An EpiPen is useful to bring even if you do not have any known allergies. You may be able to save someone else. You also may discover that you are allergic to a bite or plant. If you are hiking with a dog, you may want to pack a few animal-specific treatment items. Check with your vet for specific instructions as to dosage, etc. For example, dogs can use certain types of aspirin. It is also a good idea to pack activated charcoal. It will be helpful in the event that your dog ingests toxic plants or materials. Due to their anatomy, dogs are particularly prone to eye injuries. Pack a small bottle of saline to flush out your dog’s eyes if needed. If an emergency occurs, you may be stuck outdoors far longer than intended. An emergency blanket, often made of a mylar material, can help you maintain a healthy body temperature and avoid hypothermia. This is especially important if you are hiking in an area that experiences cold temperatures. If you are hiking in a foreign country or a location that you are unfamiliar with, browse online to see if there are any medical or wildlife warnings available. The World Health Organization (WHO) website posts many of these warnings. In some situations an antibiotic, such as Ciprofloxacin, is a good addition to your first aid kit. Some people feel better knowing that they have a booklet to reference in case of an emergency. However, the best option is to familiarize yourself with field medicine beforehand via an in-person or online class offered by many nature agencies and outdoors stores.
Consider any prior medical conditions. Be prepared for allergic reactions. Bring medical items for your dog. Include a weather blanket. Heed location-specific medical warnings. Add a primary care instruction booklet.