by Stein, Eric's Son
Emergency Trail Kits
It's never pleasant to realize that you can get hurt while
having fun skiing, but it does occasionally happen. And,
the fact that it is cold and that you may be several miles
from shelter and assistance when a problem occurs, make
it all the more essential that you be prepared to handle
the kinds of emergencies that can happen on the trail.
I will not go into first aid techniques on this page.
For that kind of training, it is recommended that you
take the American Red Cross basic first aid and CPR courses.
You can call this number and get sign-up information (734-971-5300).
Instead, I will discuss what you should be carrying in
your pocket or daypack to be prepared.
Here is a suggested list for a first aid kit: 1. four
3"x3" sterile gauze pads; 2. ten yards of 1"
sterile gauze; 3. two yards of ½" adhesive
tape; 4. small tube of antiseptic first aid cream; 5.
small ammonia inhalant vial; 6. a dozen Band-aids in different
sizes; 7. a small first aid booklet; 8. a CPR card; 9.
moleskin; 10. small scissors; 11. aspirin tablets; 12.
tweezers; 13. four butterfly bandages; 14. Ace bandage;
15. five safety pins of different sizes; and 16. several
antiseptic wipes. These materials should all be packaged
in a clearly marked, water-proof container. This list
was developed from long experience in several outdoor
activities and everything in it was needed at least once.
Remember to make sure that everyone in your group knows
who is carrying the first-aid kit.
Minimal safety gear you should take along on every outing
includes the following: sunscreen and lip protection,
a whistle, snack, water, and a map. I have a little belt
pack into which I have put these supplies and just leave
it with my skis. Because it is always handy I never have
to worry about finding these things before I go skiing
or, worse, going skiing without them.
For longer tours or skiing in more remote areas you may
want to consider taking along additional emergency preparedness
gear. Other items that you should have in a daypack include:
a pocket knife, some wire and/or nylon cord, small screwdriver
(that will fit your binding screws), matches and/or a
lighter, some TP, an emergency blanket (made of reflective
mylar), and flashlight and/or candle.
In real wilderness or extreme conditions (e.g., deep
snow and very cold temperatures), you may also want to
consider taking along some additional items, including:
a trowel or small shovel, extra socks and gloves, a replacement
ski tip, a face mask, extra food, a small or wire saw,
and an air splint.
The other thing to keep in mind is that learning how
to use all this equipment is best done in a non-emergency
situation. Practice using it in your backyard, before
you go skiing. That way you won't need to take time to
figure out how to properly use it in an emergency.
