Ballard Ambulance Personnel Provides First Aid Kit Tips

The warm weather lures folks out to partake in outdoor recreation, like backpacking and hiking, and it's advised to pair a first aid kit with gear. Certain essential items packed in a first aid kit on hand can make a difference on whether an individual returns home safely or not.

"There's a lot of good things, I refer to them as creature comforts that are important to have," said Mike Battis from Ballad Ambulance. "Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol...that make your stay more comfortable...but they don't really move the needle as far as saving someone's life."

According to Battis, essential equipment that would help save a person's life in the case of a traumatic event includes pressure dressings and pressure wraps that could be found at sporting good stores.

"A tourniquet is a really essential tool to have in your kit," said Battis. "More often than not, a tourniquet can be hugely beneficial in saving someone's life."

Also always keep water handy for summer outdoor adventures.