The Polar Explorer's First-Aid Kit: Borge Ousland's Checklist

Borge Ousland, the greatest polar explorer of the last 30 years, shared the composition of his first-aid kit. This list was used by him to cross Ellesmere Island from north to south in 2025. It seemed to me that some ideas would be useful in expedition alpinism as well.

The first-aid kit is compiled based on the actual problems that Ousland or his partners faced. Always consult a doctor before using any medication. Note that some medications are banned from free circulation in most countries!

• Apocillin 660 mg, 50 tablets. Broad-spectrum antibiotic, particularly useful for joint infections.

• Flagyl 400 mg, 10 tablets. Antibiotic used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections. Also useful for preventing appendix and dental problems.

• Azitromax 500 mg, 6 tablets. Antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, especially respiratory ones, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

• Doxylin 100 mg, 18 tablets. Broad-spectrum antibiotic, effective for skin infections.

• Paralgin Forte, 50 tablets. Analgesic for moderate to severe pain relief.

• Paracetamol, 50 tablets. Over-the-counter analgesic for mild to moderate pain relief.

• Ibux 400 mg, 40 tablets. Relieves headache, rheumatic, and muscular pain.

• Acetylsalicylic acid, 1 tablet per day. Aspirin.

• 3 single doses of morphine, 10 mg each. For severe pain.

• Voltaren 50 mg, 48 tablets. Anti-inflammatory.

• Zyrtec, 20 tablets. Antihistamine for allergy relief. Ousland notes that sometimes the body starts reacting to food.

• Imodium, 24 tablets. Relieves diarrhea.

• Cavit, 1 tube. Temporary dental filling. The medication came in handy for Ousland's partners due to lost fillings caused by extreme temperature fluctuations in the mouth (hot food and cold air).

• Cortisone-based pain-relieving eye drops.

• Chloramphenicol eye ointment. Used to treat acute bacterial conjunctivitis.

• Porolon against friction blisters, 1 patch.

• Sports tape, 2 rolls. For preventing blisters and general use.

• Sunscreen.

• Elastic knee bandage.

• Disposable catheter. A case was mentioned with Jon Turk, who had a urination problem due to an enlarged prostate during an expedition around Ellesmere Island.

• Large compresses, 2.

• Bacymycin powder. For preventing and treating minor skin infections.

• Silulen. Zinc ointment for irritated, chapped, or dry skin.

• Vaseline.

• Fucidin ointment. Topical antibiotic.

• Needle, thread, scalpel, additional scalpel blade.

• Adhesive tape.

• Tweezers.

• Scissors.

• Cotton swabs.

• Small sterile compresses, 3.

• Large sterile compresses, 5.

• Cleansing wipes, 6 (chlorhexidine).

• Gauze with tape for bandages.

• Separate bandage compress.

Source: ExplorersWeb ↗, Jerry Kobalenko