I’ve taken quite a few wilderness medicine courses over the years, starting with Wilderness First Aid and then a Wilderness First Responder course, with re-certs as appropriate.
I’ve received excellent instruction, tips, and ideas from these classes that expanded my knowledge of the outdoors and applied to other parts of my life.
One simple but effective tip I received from an instructor?
Every year, go through your pack, supplies, and medicine cabinet, note when the over-the-counter drugs expire, and replace them as appropriate.
Simple.
But based on how many backpackers, campers, climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts have an old bottle of ibuprofen kicking around in a first aid kit from a thru-hike two or more years ago, it seems like an obvious thing many people ignore.
Myself included, to be honest.
Since then, every January I go through our medical supplies, go old school, make a quick note on our calendar that doubles as wall art, and replace supplies as needed.
Fun fact: I received “Unsatisfactory” comments from the Catholic school nuns about my penmanship. I have no idea why…
I then mark the expiration dates on the aspirin, ibuprofen, Tylenol, and other non-outdoor supplies such as cough medicine.
Again, simple and effective. And something everyone should do.