Basic First Aid

All riders should take a first-aid course to prepare for outdoor emergencies. The American Red Cross offers training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

It's also wise to carry a complete first-aid kit. Suggested contents for a first-aid kit include:

• 2-inch-square sterile gauze pads
• 4-inch-square sterile gauze pads
• 42-inch-square cloth for triangular bandage or sling
• Antacid
• Antibiotic salve
• Aspirin
• Assorted adhesive dressings
• Assorted butterfly dressings
• Cell phone
• Cotton swabs
• Decongestant
• Eye dropper
• Hand sanitizer
• Instant chemical cold packs
• Instant chemical hot packs
• Latex gloves
• Moleskin
• Needles
• One-half percent hydrocortisone cream
• Petroleum jelly
• Roll of 1-inch adhesive tape
• Roll of 2-inch adhesive tape
• Roll of 2-inch gauze bandage
• Safety pins
• Scissors
• Single-edged razor blades
• Sterile eyewash
• Thermometer
• Tweezers