The 10+ Essentials
Are you prepared for an emergency? These are the Ten Essentials as listed in the Obsidian Safety Manual. Leaders and hikers should use common sense and reasonable judgment when selecting the proper equipment for a trip.
- First-aid kit
- Compass and know how to use it
- Map(s) of the area where you will be
- Small functional pocket knife
- Flashlight with good batteries (extras & bulb)
- Raingear; parka and pants
- Sunscreen
- Extra food and water
- Fire kit, waterproof container of matches, candle, etc.
- Whistle
Other Potentially Useful Items:
- Extra clothing like warm waterproof coat, mittens, hat.
- Sunglasses, Insect repellant
- Pencil, paper
- Cell phone, coins for phone call
- Toilet paper
- Emergency reflective rescue blanket
- Bandana
- Gaiters
Socks are socks, right? Wrong, Cotton’s rotten. Once it gets wet, it stays wet. That is true of all cotton clothing.
| Minimal First Aid Kit | ||
| Qty | Item | Use |
| 2 | Triangular Bandages | Hold compresses or splints in place. |
| 1 | “Ace” Bandage | Supports weakened limb joints. Holds compresses or splints in place. |
| 8 | Sterile pads 4"x4" | Dress large wounds. |
| 1 | 4" bandage compress | Dresses large wounds. |
| 6 | Band-aids | Treat small wounds. |
| 1 | Roll of adhesive tape | Holds compress or splint in place. |
| 4 | Moleskin tape squares | Prevent and treat blisters. |
| 1 | Antiseptic soap | Cleans wounds |
| 8 | Aspirin | Relieves aches and pains. |
| 8 | Antacid | Relieves nausea. |
| 1 | Small scissors | Cuts moleskin and tape. |
| 3 | Safety pins | Hold compresses or splints in place. Open blisters Make arm sling from shirt sleeve. |
| 1 | Tweezers | Remove splinters and ticks. |
| 1 | Backpack medical guide | |
| 1 | Obsidian Accident Report form | |
The Obsidian First Aid Kit available at the Y for leaders to check out contains most of these items. It also has a wire splint, elastic bandage, antibiotic cream, Sting-Eze, rubber gloves, Benadryl, Ibuprofen, Aloe Vera Gel, Anti-Itch Hydrocortisone Ointment, and thermometer. See the Obsidian Safety Manual available on the website (in the Members area) for more information about First Aid Kits and the Ten Essentials.
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Are You Prepared For An Obsidian
Trip? 