Packing a First Aid Kit

Camping requires a significant amount of time away from civilization and a lot of active time walking, trailing and enjoying all the glory of the outdoors.

However, wherever there is camp away from real-world conveniences, the possibility of needing some form of first aid – however little – is a necessity.

The following are a few tips and advice to pack that vital first aid kit when out camping.

First thing first, take lessons

Believe it or not, there are a lot of classes available that provide first aid lessons. There is a basic EMT or emergency medical technician course that one could take. However, for those who do not have much time, short lessons are available. The American Red Cross provides such courses.

Check your local community. Basic first aid lessons are generally inexpensive yet valuable once learned. Once such knowledge is acquired the training allows you to provide immediate care to an individual who is injured or sick.

Children should also be given basic first aid information. When camping with children, it definitely would not hurt if they are introduced to the first aid kit. Show kids the items inside the first aid kit, its purpose and when the probable time it might be needed.

Older kids may also be point out certain situations wherein they could get hurt and what action you should take when such a situation occurs. A child who knows or has a basic idea of first aid will panic less once an injury or a slight emergency situation occurs.

First aid kit: what to pack and how

To better understand your first aid kit, do not forget to bring in a manual. The American Red Cross provides a good one.

Also, a small Swiss Army Knife is a very useful tool to have on a camping trip. An emergency blanket should be brought as well. Be aware that a blanket made of wool could get wet and after which may smell bad and take forever to dry. There are emergency blankets that are light weight and are easily packed.

A razor blade is great for removing splinters. Another tool to bring on a camping trip is a magnifying glass.
In addition to finding pesky slivers a magnifying glass can be effective for starting fires on a sunny day.

Another handy and useful item to bring is a mirror. Mirrors are useful especially when signaling for help.

A thermometer is another item that could be brought on a camping trip.

A cold pack can be included to prevent any exhaustion that is caused by heat. It could also be used to treat away burns, sprains, bruises, swelling, toothaches and headaches.

A water packet – the sterilized kind – usually containing about four ounces of water is an efficient and useful item used for water drinking and cleaning a wound. Fortunately, this item has a shelf life of five years.

For wounds, a medical tape should also be brought in. Also, try to pack in threads and a needle. Gloves, safety pin, scissors, eye dressing, band aid as well as a wrap bandage that is elastic.

For any injuries involving the shoulder or arms, a triangular bandage should also be brought along. Gauze pads (a good supply) should also be brought as well as a bandage that is large and compressed.

A wrap gauze should also be available when camping, wipes that are antiseptic, a lip balm (to protect the lips from the sun), and Neosporin (for kids with small wounds).

Meanwhile, for adults, a pain reliever like Tylenol should also be available. For children, a non-aspirin tablet should be available. Decongestants like Dimetapp are a good medicine to bring. Antihistamines are a great option for adults. For a hot camping trip, do not forget to pack in a salt tablet.

All in all, camping is fun if you are prepared for all the activities and experiences the outdoors will bring.