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Field Trip First Aid Kit
Anytime that you go on a
genealogical research trip, consider it to be a field trip that may
end up in the the woods or on some back road somewhere that no one
has been for years (or so it might seem). I have gone to Kentucky to
check out a local library and asked for records about a particular
surname as someone else over heard me. This person would know of my
particular family and will tell me where they are buried and give me
detailed instructions on how to get there. The next thing you know I
am in this old cemetery that has not had a burial for over 50 years
and basically abandoned. Briars are everywhere... there might be
some poison ivy by that one grave marker that is leaning. I can see
a marker with the surname I am looking for, but an old tree has
fallen down that will make getting to it difficult. I am wearing shorts
and have nothing to cut my way through all of the briars, but I am a
genealogist determined to get answers. Then, I get a large scratch
from the briars and begin bleeding... I will have to come back
another time - sadly it may be years before I get the chance again!
If only I had prepared for a possible field trip, chances
are I would get to check this out, take a few photos and be on my way. I might have
brought along a pair of long-legged pants that I could have put on at the library restroom. I could have brought along something
to cut away a few of the briars. And if I had a first aid kit I
could have better tended to any scratches or other problems. Indiana
Bones is always prepared for almost anything (not everyone is like
me), but you should have a decent first aid kit in your car at all
times. Some things you should consider having in a good kit:
Adhesive bandages (4-6
of several sizes).
Sterile gauze pads to
clean and cover wounds.
Bandage tape to hold
gauze pads in place (maybe include some string or cord).
Insect sting solutions
like baking soda.
Antiseptics such as
alcohol, iodine or hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds. [Tip an
important treatment is to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and
running water.]
Soap and bottled water
(milk jug) to clean wounds and wash hands. [Bring along separate
drinking water.]
Instant cold pack to
reduce swelling of injuries.
Tweezers to remove
broken glass or splinters.
- Good cutting scissors.
- Matches, flash light, pen knife.
- Finger splints to
support an injured finger.
- Aspirin (ibuprofen,
Tylenol, acetaminophen [non-aspirin]).
- Sunscreen lotion, lip moisturizer, etc.
- Insect repellent (Deet
for skin and/or Permethrin spray for clothing).
- Antacid, cough
medications, cold/flu medicine.
- Moisturizers for burns,
calamine lotions for poison ivy, etc.
- Medical information
about each person that might be with you, including allergies and
emergency contact information (doctors, etc.). Bring personal
medications!
- Ink pen and notepad...
this one you should have just because you are a genealogical
researcher!
- A cell phone and a GPS
to get you help or find your way out, back to somewhere you know.
- Water-proof case to
carry everything.
- Wash cloth and bath
towel (which could be used as a sling for arm injuries).
There are lots of other
items that you might add to customize the kit from your experiences. Indiana Bones and McGuyver highly recommend a roll of duct tape, as well!!!
- Compiled by Indiana Bones
