You never know when an accident WILL happen!

Whether you are venturing into parts unknown, or just down to the local OHV park, a solid first aid kit is a must. Whether you are on an ATV, a UTV, or a dirt bike, when an unintended event land you in a crisis, you will need to make sure you have some useful items on hand to ensure that you return to civilization rubber side down, and with all of your parts intact.   First let’s discuss what to bring for you.  

The Very most important piece of any kit is knowledge.   I know that sounds like a cop-out, but hear meow-t.  Knowing how to use all of the odd pills, bandages, strange metal implements, and also the really weird stuff too.  The best thing you can do is take a class from a reputable institution. Look for a class where the teacher is a trauma nurse, not one where a Bear Grylls stand-in is trying to teach you how to give a tracheostomy with a Swiss army knife and a sawed-off ink pen. (As cool as those sounds, please leave that one to the professionals).  Any class that is worth the money will be able to supply you with a better materials list than what I could give you, after all, I'm a cat. First aid to me is making sure you are near something absorbent and highly valuable to your humans (like an expensive rug or an angora sweater) when you feel a hairball coming up. But that's for me, for you should probably have a few meds, something for sprains, something for bug bites and irritating plant encounters, and things to prevent exposure (think cooling items for hot climates and warming items for cool ones).

I can't stress enough the importance of the first aid class taught by a qualified professional, but what about for your ride?  If your machine sustains damage, you should also know a bit about making some basic repairs, like fixing a punctured tire, or putting out a fire.  The following list is by no means exhaustive, but it can give you a good head start:

1)  Tire repair gear.  An air pump and tire patches at a minimum.  Loading your tires with some sort of sealant ahead of time can also help prevent flats. A small air compressor or hand pump will help you re-inflate tires after patching them up. 

2)  Fire extinguisher. Fires can happen, especially when dealing with fuel or hot engine components. Having a compact fire extinguisher on hand could save your vehicle and even prevent serious injury. 

3)  Multi-tool or basic tool kit. This should include wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and other small tools that can help with quick fixes on the trail. You never know when a bolt might loosen or a component might need adjusting. 

4)  Spare parts. Carrying essential spares like fuses, belts, or even a spare chain can be a lifesaver if something breaks miles away from civilization.

5)  Tow strap. Whether you get stuck in mud, sand, or snow, a sturdy tow strap can help another vehicle pull you out, or vice versa.

6)  Duct tape and zip ties. These simple, lightweight items can temporarily fix a lot of issues, from securing loose parts to making makeshift bandages.

7)  Flashlight or headlamp. If you find yourself in a situation where repairs need to be made in the dark, a reliable flashlight or headlamp will be invaluable.

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