Equipment Outfitters

Thick, strong sticking plaster with powerful adhesive qualities should accompany you everywhere, but make sure you have some form of gauze to stop it sticking to the wound itself. Always carry a pair of sharp scissors or knife to cut it with, as it is almost impossible to tear. The stickiest plaster does not usually allow much air to penetrate, so you may also wish to carry a different variety that does.

Bandages can be used to stop bleeding, pack an open wound or immobilize a broken limb by tying it to a splint. Sprained ankles can also be effectively bound, and you can even use bandages as a filter to strain plant matter from water. Rolled lengths of elasticized bandage are the most common, and are obtainable at most good pharmacies. They are cheap and weigh very little, so every medical kit should have at least one. A triangular bandage on its own would provide better support for immobilizing a broken arm, especially if no splint can be found, although the rolled elasticized one is probably more versatile.

Painkillers are good for minor discomforts, and some of these, such as heat and eyestrain, are often the cause of headaches. The pills are light enough for you to take along different types of varying strengths. And potent anti-histamines can make life more bearable for sinus and asthma sufferers.

Good eye-drops will provide welcome relief for sore eyes (and will make you look better). A set of tweezers (make sure they close precisely at the ends) will allow you to remove the smallest of thorns or spines; prickly pears are the worst offenders here, and if someone gets one of these tiny thorns in their lips or tongue, they will be glad you brought a good magnifying glass. This handy instrument can be used for lighting fires in an emergency as well.

For less serious discomforts, there is a host of remedies. The anti-septic cream Zambuk, for example, has a wide range of applications, including temporary lubrication of squeaky mountain bike chains. Vaseline or lip-ice will prevent chapped, sore lips and soothe cracked, dry skin.

If you’re hiking, always carry a supply of energy bars and/or chocolate. Chocolate melts in hot weather, but it can still be eaten with a spoon — and it is excellent for morale.

Sticks of biltong saw tens of thousands of Boer soldiers through the war, and 100 years later this dried- meat snack is still a good form of energy and can last for weeks or even months without losing its flavour. You may need a good knife to cut it (but this you should have, anyway) and a stone to keep the knife sharp. Cutting biltong into thin slivers makes it easier to chew, and although you can buy it that way in packets, cutting it up yourself is a lot more fun — a bit like filling a pipe with tobacco.

Hikers tend to wander further away from help than do most people. A small metal mirror for signaling and a spare pair of bootlaces should go with you everywhere and don’t take up too much space. You’ll find no substitutes for either of them in the veld, and a loose hiking boot can chafe or blister your feet to the point where walking is an ordeal.

A magnesium block and striker or a gas lighter is another must for your emergency box. A foil body bag is standard issue for mountain rescue operations and can make a serious contribution to keeping you in good shape until help arrives.

Much of what has been covered here applies only for travellers to the more remote areas, but depending on where you’re going, consult your physician for a list of more specific items. A medical kit that can cover almost every eventuality would probably weigh more than your car.

A list of emergency telephone numbers in the area you intend visiting should appear in the front pages of the local telephone directory. When you arrive, jot these down and keep them in your first aid kit in case of emergency.

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