MEDICAL SUPPLIES - Medicine for Mountaineering and Other Wilderness Activities - page 539

APPENDIXE C
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Ernest E. Moore, M.D.
James A. Wilkerson, M.D.
Ken Zafren, M.D.
Principal Contributors
No wilderness party can be completely prepared for every medical problem. Only the ma-
terials needed to care for common medical problems can be carried. The materials needed
for severe accidents or major illnesses should be available at a base camp or similar central
location.
However, no two individuals, including physicians and the editors of this topic, com-
pletely agree about the items that should be in a wilderness medical kit.
Following are three lists of suggested medical supplies. “Personal Medical Supplies” are
items that probably should be carried by everyone on almost any outing. “Outing Medical
Kit” are items that should be available in popular wilderness areas and on expeditions to
remote areas. (Obviously, larger parties can carry a larger quantity and a greater variety of
medical supplies.) The “Expedition Medical Kit” suggests items that should be carried by
major expeditions and in some areas could be made available by air drop or similar means.
Physicians should be consulted about the dosages and quantities of the items to be included.
Medications for preexisting disorders, such as diabetes or asthma, must be supplied by
the individuals with such conditions.
PERSONAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Personal water-free hand sanitizer (Purell® or others)
Personal protective equipment (nonsterile gloves, nitrile)
Personal medications
Medications
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen-25 or more
Hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Vicodin®)-20 to 30
or
OxyCodone and acetaminophen (Percocet®)-20 to 30
Epinephrine auto-injector (if temperatures are above freezing)-2 per party
Diphenhydramine (Dramamine®, Benadryl®, others)-10 per party
Prednisone-5 per party