Well-equipped for an emergency: learn about what’s important when buying a complete, compact first aid kit.
Well equipped for emergencies: Find out what to look for when buying a complete and compact first aid kit.
Whether mountaineering, climbing or on alpine tours: Accidents or sudden illnesses are possible even with good preparation. That’s why it’s important – especially in remote areas – to be equipped for an emergency so that you can perform first aid quickly. A suitable first aid kit is thus a vital piece of equipment for every mountain climber.
First aid expert and ORTOVOX ambassador Dani Hornsteiner knows what a good first aid kit should contain and what you should look for when you’re buying one. She is a trainer and head of operations at Bergwacht Bayern (Bavarian Mountain Rescue), and has been giving alpine first aid courses for over 15 years. Here, she draws on her knowledge and experience as a mountaineer and DAV guide for alpine tours and ski tours.
The 6 most important features of alpine first aid kits
1. Pack size
The size and weight of a first aid kit are important, but the contents still need to match the tour and number of people. First aid kits that can be rolled up, such as the ROLL DOC, are particularly compact and space saving.
2. Equipment
The first aid kit should match the activity, the tour and the number of people, so that all necessary medical supplies are at hand in an emergency. High-quality equipment is therefore of utmost importance.
3. Good overview
A first aid kit that is sensibly partitioned and allows items to be reached quickly will save valuable time in the hectic rush of an emergency. Subdivision into several compartments will provide an overview of the contents and makes them easily and quickly accessible.
4. First aid tips
Pictures and captions on the compartment of the first aid kit will offer a good overview of the contents, and provide orientation when giving first aid during the hectic rush of an emergency. The emergency card will contain other important information.
5. Weather conditions
A waterproof first aid kit allows those underway in high alpine areas or on glacier tours in wind and weather to be on the safe side. This will ensure the equipment stays dry and usable in an emergency.
6. Particular areas of use
Every type of mountain sport is special but also has its own dangers. Sport-specific first aid kits like the ROCK DOC combine the right size with contents tailored to the specific sport.
Learn important first aid knowledge
Online or in one of our Alpine First Aid courses
First aid kits comparison
Roll-up first aid kits
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Waterproof first aid kits
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