Building a First Aid Kit for Camping

Before you head out, make sure you are prepared with the basics in case of any minor injuries that might occur while out in the wilderness. When hiking, each backpack should carry one. You never know if you will get separated from your party. All the items are very inexpensive and serve an important purpose in making a victim more comfortable and is not a replacement for medical attention.rnAssorted bandages and gauze rolls (include at least one small elastic bandage)rnAntiseptic creams and ointmentsrnPain MedicationrnTweezers, scissors, and knifernSunburn care (Sunscreen, aloe vera, burn cream)rnAnti-diarrhea medicationrnSaline solutionrnBenedryl Because the threat of scrapes and cuts is so high while you camp, several different sizes of bandages are recommended. Make sure there are some that fit small children if they will be with you. Gauze pads and rolls are nice for the types of wounds that bandages can’t cover up. A roll of first aid tape might come in handy too and the elastic bandage for sprains. Generally small ones for the arms and hands, large ones for the legs and feet. These also work great to hold an ice pack on the head or mid-section of the body. Neosporin, hydrogen peroxide, and Calamine Lotion are nice to have for preventing infections. Always use the Neosporin under a bandaid. Washing cuts and scrapes with the peroxide helps to kill germs that cause infection and washing with sterile saline before bandaging promotes healing. Calamine is applied to bites or plant allergies like poison ivy to relieve itching and prevent fingernails from tearing the skin up. Tylenol and Advil for adults and kids are great pain management medications for minor accidents. Follow manufacturer guidelines when taking these medications. Both can be used for pain and Advil, or Ibuprofen, can be taken to reduce swelling. Tweezers are great for removing splinters and slivers, which happens a lot! Use the scissors or a knife to cut the tape and gauze. Keeping your sunscreen in your first aid kit is smart, then you will always know where it is at. Bring lotion and aloe for sunburn care but also burn cream in the event of campfire injuries. Many times, the food eaten while camping will not agree with your stomach so Pepto Bismol and Immodium are nice to have with you when those very uncomfortable moments strike in your camp. Throwing in some Tums isn’t a bad idea either! When buying saline solution, be certain it does not contain extra chemicals used to clean contact lenses. Only get straight saline for rinsing wounds or flushing debris out of eyes. One item I never camp without is Benedryl. Sometimes one just never knows what the heck they are really allergic to until they have nothing with them to help the reaction. A Murphy’s Law deal perhaps? Take it with you whether you are allergic to anything or not. You may find someone in need of your assistance and save their life with it. It is always better to be prepared. Find a container to house all of these things together so when anything happens, everyone in your party knows where to go to take care of their ailments. Make it a rule that anything taken out is returned (with the exception of bandages, ha!) so there is never a moment of panic hunting for a piece of the puzzle. When leaving for a daytrip, be sure all members with you have a small kit with them just in case. It is better to be safe than sorry. Happy Camping! For more information about RV travel and RV vacation, there’s great information online.