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First Aid kit essentials

The First Aid kit that you carry on the hills need not take up a lot of space or weight, but there are some essentials we would suggest all hill walkers or climbers take with them. 

If you are heading out with friends or family, you can share the load and don't need to duplicate most items. So decide with members of your group in advance on who will take what in their rucksack.

  • A tick hook
  • Duct tape
  • Triangular bandage
  • A wound dressing
  • A crepe bandage
  • A roll of general purpose medical tape
  • A selection of plasters and/or Compeed-style blister plasters
  • Scissors or a knife
  • A few pairs of rubber or plastic gloves

  • Pain killers. If you are at all unsure about administering pain killers...don't! 

Keeping warm


If the situation is serious and you are relying on professional help to arrive, your priority will be to keep the casualty and the rest of your group warm.

Many mountain rescue call outs in Scotland end up treating the casualty for hypothermia as well as whatever stopped them in the first place.

  • Ensure everyone puts on all their spare layers
  • Put the casualty into a bivi bag, insulate them from below with spare kit
  • Arrange the rest of the group around the casualty in a group shelter. 

How to deal with an emergency

> Check out our advice on what do in an incident, from calling for help to assessing the situation and keeping your party safe

Other essential kit

> Take a look at our check list of gear to pack into your rucksack when heading for the hills, guaranteed to make your trip more enjoyable, but may save your life in difficulties

Looking for a First Aid Course?

We have partnered with some Outdoor First Aid Course providers who have offered discount to our members looking to further their first aid skills. Find out more by visiting our members benefit page