Download the first edition of the ESD Playa First Aid Manual.Here is a list of some of the basic things everyone should have on hand in their First Aid kit on the playa. Should an injury be serious or require more advanced care, the Emergency Services Department is there to help. Otherwise, the list below should see you through most minor injuries.
Packaged in an airtight container (Ziploc, Rubbermaid, etc):
- Rapid COVID-19 self tests
- Thermometer
- A box of assorted sizes of adhesive bandages, aka “Band-aids”
- 1 roll adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
- Moleskin
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons/pads)
- 1” and 2” Coban or similar self-adhesive bandage wrap (works better than “Band-aids” and tape in the dust!)
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipe packets
- Aloe vera gel for minor burns and sunburn
- Benadryl for minor allergic reactions, itching and a sleep aid too
- Antacid (such as Maalox)
- Anti-diarrheal medication (such as Immodium)
- Laxative (such as Ex-Lax)
- Saline eye wash solution
- Breathing barrier (with one-way valve) ⟵ for mouth to mouth…let’s try to avoid this
- Instant cold compress or zip lock bags to put ice in
- Non-latex gloves (size: large)
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Bandage scissors or Medic shears
- 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
- 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
- One box sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
- One box sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
- Triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- Chapstick
- Sunscreen
- Vinegar (to mix 1:4 with water for Playa Foot prevention).
Make a small kit out of the above supplies to have in your pack, along with your map and water bottle. (Have this in a small zip-lock, or just stuff it all into one of the exam gloves.)
- Moleskin
- Antiseptic wipes
- Adhesive bandages
- Antibiotic cream
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- I pair exam gloves
Optional items for a camp-sized first aid kit
- Finger cots- these are great for keeping the dirt and grime out of wounds. Use them in conjunction with a dressing.
- Alcohol wipes- use these to remove grease from around a wound before applying Benzoin. You can also use them to sanitize things.
- Tincture of Benzoin- this comes in individually wrapped packages. They are swabs that you wipe on the skin around a wound (after cleaning said wound) to help the bandages stick.
- Steri-strips- these are better than butterfly bandages for keeping wounds closed; use in conjunction with the Benzoin mentioned above.
- Magnifying glass- to look for slivers and little tiny things.
- Afrin- for nose bleeds
Any further questions can be addressed to 911@burningman.org.