Headlamp and Blinkie lights: A rear blinker is a good idea for times when you have to connect a paved road. Chris explains: “Cycling UK’s one-day Bike First Aid course is suited to those that lead on-road rides where access to the emergency services is likely in a short timeframe. Waterproof plasters are ideal, providing a sealed-in environment for your wound and a barrier against the elements outside. Alcohol-Free Disinfecting Wipes Cycle tourists should anticipate a number of different hazards on their journeys, including traffic and pedestrians, weather exposure and heatstroke, falls and crashes, and more. Will you be biking in a different country? Prepare for exotic insects and wild animals.

Due to its bulky pouch, this kit is one of the heaviest among those tested. While it may feel a bit light on contents, there is ample space for additional equipment if required. Final Words — Cycling First Aid KitOnce you’ve got your first aid kit, you need to know how to use it. “It’s one thing carrying a first aid kit but knowing how to use the items contained within it is vitally important,” Chris adds. It goes without saying that when cleaning a wound, you need to have clean hands. But what if you’re not very close to proper hand-washing facilities, as you may well find yourself when faced with a cycling injury. Putting on disposable gloves means you can clean and treat a wound without needing to worry about washing your hands.

Also common are musculoskeletal issues – aching joints or muscles. This might simply be because you overdid it up that hill or maybe there’s an issue with your bike set-up. Then there are saddle sores and discomfort ‘down below’. If you are under 18 or operating in an assistant capacity (i.e. performing your role within line of sight of a qualified First Aider), you do not require an official first aid qualification, but it is recommended you take the online First Aid Essentials course as part of your course training.Thermometer: Manual thermometers are generally more accurate, but require protection from breakage. The most common cycling injuries are cuts and bruises, followed by insect bites and stings, chafing, and dehydration. A cycling first aid kit should have items in it to treat them. This should include: If you’re riding with children, keep in mind that they’ll have different needs – mostly to do with more reassurance than that needed by adults. They also might have problems swallowing tablets; ibuprofen gels would help here. What to do The highest risk to commuter cyclists is a road collision. Car accidents can result in anything from a grazed knee when you come off your bike to a broken limb or head injury. Microporous Tape is easy to tear by hand, securely holds dressings in place, and removes painlessly. Absorbent Wound Dressing

Using hand sanitiser and surgical gloves will help minimise the risk of infection. This is especially important if treating others, particularly children. What is in a trauma first aid kit? What is the difference between a trauma kit and a first aid kit? Cord: We recommend about 30-40’ of cord or line to tie up your food in areas where bears are a problem. This will allow plenty of room for reaching higher branches. Nine and a half times out of ten I tie my food up in a bear bag at night. One of the few times I didn’t, I had a bear sniffing around my tent at 4AM. According to most sources, a bear bag should be about 12-15 feet above the ground and six feet away from the trunk of a tree. Also, some suggest that the bear snag be about 100′ away from camp, and 300′ in grizzly country.Those looking to obtain mountain bike leader qualifications and lead groups off road must hold a minimum of a 16-hour Outdoor First Aid certificate. Our two-day emergency First Aid in the Outdoors training accredited as part of the Expedition Care Programme meets this requirement. Gloves are a crucial component of any bike first aid kit. They protect both the person administering first aid and the patient from the spread of infectious agents or contaminants. Disposable, non-latex gloves are recommended. 7. Thermometer

Despite its higher cost compared to other kits on the test, there are a few notable omissions. Adding surgical gloves and a lightweight safety blanket would enhance the value and make this kit nearly flawless. 3. Ortlieb First Aid Kit Regular Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. In an extended cycling first aid kit, a small supply of broad-spectrum antibiotics may be included for situations where access to medical care is limited and there is a high risk of infection. 9. Suture Kit A suture kit contains sterile sutures, needles, and other instruments necessary for wound closure. It is intended for situations where immediate medical attention is not readily available, and there is a need to close a deep or gaping wound. OEX, the in-house brand of GO Outdoors, offers a highly durable and securely sealed roll-top pouch. In addition to standard dressings, the kit includes blister dressings and insect wipes, which are valuable additions. The standout item is the triangular bandage, perfect for creating a sling when needed.All these items are readily available from larger pharmacies. You might not need everything on all rides. You can adapt your kit depending on what riding you’re doing, who you’re with and even the time of year. Be flexible! On low-level rides roll self-adhering compression wrap (Coban), or, if you aren’t as space/weight concerned, 1 elastic (Ace) wrap. Finding the best cycling first aid kit means understanding your risks and combating them with the right equipment. If you’re not sure what your risks are, we can help. Partnering with Sterosport means you’ll have a dedicated account manager who can assess the risks of your situation and let you know exactly what you need. Use this table to help you decide which cycling first aid kit you need for your trips. All our cycling first aid kits are designed to give you essential support on any trip, but these are our recommendations: First Aid Kit