Include First Aid in Your Camping Gear

You have packed the tent, sleeping bags, hiking shoes and ice chests. You are all set and ready for your big outdoor adventure. Before heading out the door and into the car though, don’t forget some first aid gear. Few people think about packing a first aid kit, but this is perhaps one of the most important things to take on a camping trip. Being out in the wilderness and getting back to nature is a healthy and therapeutic experience, however, the setting of a camping trip is usually far removed from civilization and is quite a hike to the nearest doctor or urgent care clinic. You can help ensure a more enjoyable and safe outing by including a first aid kit in your camping gear.
Pre-packaged first aid kits are available for purchase in most any store that carries outdoor recreation products. They vary in price according to the supplies they contain. Deciding which kit you need will likely depend upon your camping plan. A person can save a little money and have a more tailored first aid kit by simply packing your own safety supplies however.
To pack your own first aid kit, you need to start with a designated bag or box which is easily identifiable and easy to access. For a well stocked first aid kit I recommend including the following items:
disposable gloves
bandages
gauze and tape
wraps
alcohol pads
swabs
antibiotic ointment
iodine pads
eye wash
topical allergy cream, such as Bendadryl or calamine lotion
liquid or tablet allergy treatments (antihistamine)
aspirin, ibuprofen
ice bags
splints
scissors
snake bite treatment/anti-venom
whistle
sun screen
sun burn treatment
thermometer
glucose tablets
anti-diarrhea medication
tweezers
medical guide book
infection control bag
These basic supplies should get you through scrapes, sprains and bruises, as well as sunburns, splinters, bee strings and rashes. The glucose tablets and anti-diarrheals are, of course, optional, but I would rather be safe than sorry. Many of the pre-packaged first aid kits do not include snake bite treatments, but I highly recommend adding this item, whether you purchase your kit or you pack your own. It is also nice to be able to take two-way radios or another means of communication, though they do not have to be placed in the first aid bag.
Taking a little time to plan and prepare before you embark upon your camping trip, by packing a first aid kit can give you peace of mind for your adventure. It also ensures that a small instance in the great outdoors does not dampen or ruin your back to nature experience. Happy and safe camping!

article by: Theresa Beller

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