Probably the most essential of all the essential gears, If I have my camera with me or not I always have a:

First Aid Kit

When I am out taking photos or driving around in my car, there is always a first aid kit close at hand.

Camera Bag or Backpack Kit:

On a photo shot I always carry around a small first aid kit with me. It’s in my camera bag for the walking around urban trip or one that encompasses hiking with a camera backpack.

I like starting with a good kit and adding to it if I need to.

Take for example this Lifeline Kit that I carry with me.

You can look at the link and see what items come with the kit, a variety in such a small package. I like a small pouch kit, It’s flexible which helps with expanding the kit but flexes enough to put into a camera bag pocket or stuffed next to a lens.

I added Band-Aid Blister Cushions to the kit.  

I like these blister cushions because they are waterproof (good when taking photos in water) and are padded to protect the area. Plus they stay on, I used them one time on an eight mile day hike and they never came off.

I also add in some Safetec Sting Relief Wipes. Insect stings don’t agree with me, I keep these handy.

Car Kit:

This kit is a bit larger because I carry more equipment in it. I look at this kit as for emergencies that might happen while taking photos then get back to the vehicle for more first aid, vehicle accidents, or helping someone that is having an emergency. The car kit is for the minor cuts and scraps we all get, to sever trauma, like heavy bleeding or gunshot wounds, to keep you alive till help comes from the professionals.

I know this kit would be big and I would be adding more to it. So I started with a kit I really like, Adventure Medical  ‘ADVENTURE FIRST AID, 2.0’ kit (see link for supply list). To this kit I added the sting wipes and blister cushions as mentioned above.

This kit bag alone would not hold all I wanted to add to it so I bought an empty first aid bag that was large enough for my needs, such as this one:

I put the Adventure kit in the bag and began adding.

Next up was an Adventure Medical Trauma Pak with Quikclot. This kit “is designed to stop bleeding and control serious trauma at the scene so more advanced care can be sought later.” In the empty bag it went.

For Hemorrhage control compression an Israel Bandage went it in the bag. You can find these at various venders online.

For sever extremity bleeding I added a Tourniquet. I have two types but there are many out there with different ways to use and price points, so research and find the one the best meets your needs.

SWAT  T  and the TK4

Bonus Kit:

A few other items I keep in my backpack for emergencies.

Small survival Kit:

Compass:

Emergency Blanket:

A Fire Kit made myself and stored in an Altoid case with a fantastic drawing of a fire on front.

Those are the two kits I have for my photography outings.

I also have another Trauma kit set up for home use and a Pet First Aid Kit.

Remember be prepared and know how to use your kit!