Personal Jungle First Aid Kit List

IN THIS LESSON

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the essential contents of a personal jungle first aid kit

  • Learn how to adapt your kit to your role, region, and health profile

  • Recognize the importance of weight, waterproofing, and field durability

A personal jungle first aid kit is your frontline tool for managing injury, illness, and environmental stress. It must be compact, waterproof, and ready to handle the most likely emergencies in a tropical, high-humidity environment—where infection risk is high, and help is far away.

Key Principles:

  • Choose lightweight, multi-use items where possible

  • Prioritize waterproof or weather-resistant packaging

  • Include personal medications and region-specific needs

  • Avoid over-packing—weight matters in the field

  • Customize based on activity, remoteness, and medical screening results

Core Contents:

    • Sterile gauze and dressings

    • Compression bandages

    • Hemostatic agents (e.g., QuikClot or Celox)

    • Tourniquet (e.g., CAT or SOFT-T)

    • Alcohol wipes

    • Antimicrobial ointment (e.g., Polysporin)

    • Iodine or chlorhexidine solution

    • Pain relief (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

    • Antihistamines (for bites, stings, mild allergies)

    • Antidiarrheals (e.g., loperamide)

    • Antimalarials (prescribed for region)

    • Oral antibiotics or antifungals (as prescribed)

    • Rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets

    • Moleskin or blister pads

    • Anti-chafing cream

    • Antifungal powder or cream

    • Zinc oxide for rash or immersion foot

    • Trauma shears

    • Tweezers (for ticks, splinters, etc.)

    • Thermometer (preferably digital or strip-style)

    • Safety pins, tape, and small scissors

    • CPR face shield

    • Nitrile gloves (2–4 pairs)

    • Emergency whistle or signal mirror

    • Compact reference card or manual

    • Water purification tablets (chlorine or iodine-based)

    • Small filter or straw filter system

Optional / Region-Specific Additions

  • Snakebite bandage or pressure immobilization wrap

  • Epinephrine auto-injector (if prescribed)

  • Antiparasitic treatments

  • Insect bite relief gel

  • Eye wash ampoules or saline

Personalization is Key No two kits should be exactly the same. Your medical screening, destination, length of travel, and intended activity should all inform what you pack. For example:

  • A climber may include splinting materials

  • A researcher staying in one location may carry more long-term infection treatments

  • Someone with allergies may carry extra antihistamines or epinephrine

Storage Tip:
Use a high-visibility dry bag or waterproof pouch. Label medications clearly. Keep the kit in a fast-access pocket—not buried in your main pack.