One of the keys to a successful, incident-free backcountry trip is preparing an emergency kit that includes antiseptic ointment, gauze, bandages, Ace wrap, latex gloves, and tweezers. Kinesthesiology tape, or another protective form of “second skin” is also a must, as blisters are one of the most common and painful hiking injuries, as they often occur on the feet.
In the event cuts or lacerations occur, the focus should be on staunching the bleeding and keeping the wound clean and infection free. This begins with irrigating it with water that is safe for drinking to clean out any foreign particles.
After applying antiseptic, dress the wound with a bandage that fully covers it and over the next several hours check for redness, swelling, pus, and other signs of infection. Each day or two, replace the dressing and, if signs of infection worsen, consider cutting the backpacking trip short and returning to an area where professional medical care can be obtained.