A Guide to Your Camping First Aid Kit
Things to consider when buying a first aid kit for an outdoor activity like camping, and there are many. Our experience tells us that the first thing to consider is the activity you intend to do and the climate in which you intend to do it. For example, a first aid kit consisting of animal casts and a lollipop for children to use in their backyard won’t be enough on an ice climbing trip to Scandinavia.
Another important consideration is its capacity: if you opened your first aid kit, would you know how to use each item in it? Is it time to enroll in a basic first aid course? Even the most comprehensive first aid kit becomes useless if you lack the knowledge to give basic first aid.
For this guide, we will assume that we will participate in a low risk camping activity.
Our definition of a low risk camping activity:
- They are unlikely to fall from a height.
- The risk of immersion in dangerous waters (cold, deep, flowing, etc.) will be minimal.
- Medical care is available within an hour.
- Shelter, food, and water are no more than 4 miles or an hour away on foot.
Always make sure you are competent to do whatever activity you plan to participate in. Use your judgment to determine the risk factor for your activity. Always be aware of any factors beyond your control – a sudden drop in temperature or visibility can make any activity dangerous.
Moving on to the first aid kit, the first thing that should be included in any kit is personal medication, that is, any medication that you have been prescribed and that you need on a day-to-day basis.
The rest of your kit should consist of at least:
- Waterproof bag for first aid kit
- Flashlight
- Whistle
- Pair of scissors
- First aid tape
- Antiseptic cream
- Anesthetic spray
- Variety of gauze
- Eye wash
- Ointment to relieve burns
- Variety of bandages
- Plasters / plasters
- Some form a pain reliever: aspirin / acetaminophen / ibuprofen
- Latex gloves
- An EpiPen or similar
You should consider including the following items if they are not already included in your survival kit:
- Tweezers
- A fire steel or similar
- Water purifying tablets
- Space blanket
Finally, the following we consider optional, but it is a great addition when the weight of the package is not an issue:
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Insect repellent
- Antihistamines
- Antacids
Read on for a description of each item and its suggested use.
Waterproof bag for first aid kit
There is absolutely no reason not to have a waterproof first aid kit bag to hold the contents of your first aid kit. Items in your first aid kit should be kept clean and dry at all times; A wet first aid kit is almost like no first aid kit.
Flashlight / Torch
You will most likely carry a flashlight anyway, but you should always carry one in your first aid kit. This should be self explanatory; first aid is much more difficult in the dark. In addition to this, a torch is a great morale booster when an injured member of your party is motionless in the dark.
Whistle
Don’t carry just one whistle, carry one for each member of your party in case you need to separate or are separated for any reason. Not only is it required to ask for help, but it is equally important to send signals to each other.
Pair of scissors
These have a variety of uses in many first aid settings, from trimming bandages and gauze to removing clothing in an emergency. Try not to use them for general tasks and try to keep them sterile whenever possible.
First aid tape
First aid tape has an unlimited number of uses, from a makeshift splint to gauze. A scroll should be found in every emergency first aid kit.
Antiseptic cream
A minor cut or scratch would normally not cause a problem, until it becomes infected and can ultimately lead to very serious complications. Applying an antiseptic cream to prevent this from happening could be very important.
Anesthetic spray
This can provide welcome relief from common mishaps like burns, stings, bites, cuts, and scrapes. Be sure to read the attached brochure for details on using the spray; different sprays can be used for different ailments.
Chiffon variety
Knowing when to wear gauze is easy when you know its purpose: to help stop bleeding. Gauze is made of porous fibers designed to absorb and trap blood to help it clot. Do some research on when and when not to wear gauze.
Eye wash
Some consider it unnecessary, but we like to wash our eyes in our first aid kits to know that we have a convenient, sterile wash available in case someone in our group is involved in an eye-related incident.
Ointment to relieve burns
It’s surprising how common burns are found on camping trips, even for the most experienced. It can happen very easily, but fortunately it can also be treated just as easily with the right equipment.
Variety of bandages
This includes a variety of sizes, as well as shapes and types. Do your research on bandages – learn how and when to use them. Learn how to wear one in a splint, how to make a sling, how to make a tourniquet, etc. Knowing how to use each type will help you decide which type to store your first aid kit with.
Plasters / Band-Aids
Use them to treat minor cuts and abrasions and help prevent infection. Remember to change dressings regularly and clean the wound before reapplying a new one.
Aspirin / Paracetamol / Ibuprofen
It could be very dangerous to give pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Always make sure that the leaflet accompanying these medications is kept in the first aid kit for reference. Always read the package leaflet carefully and make sure that it is safe to treat the patient with painkillers. If you are ever unsure, it is always safer not to.
Latex gloves
These offer protection not only for the patient against infection, but also for the first aid provider. Always practice good hygiene procedures when treating a patient, both for your health and for yourself.
An EpiPen or similar
An EpiPen should never be used without proper medical knowledge or training. Given the right circumstances and a competent first helper, an EpiPen can significantly increase a patient’s chances of survival in anaphylactic shock. Again, a thorough investigation is recommended.
Tweezers
They are ideal for removing foreign bodies from cuts and abrasions. Note that multi-tools, such as a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman, often have tweezers built into them, along with a number of other useful items; If the weight of your package allows it, it may be worth investing in something similar.
A fire steel or similar
Some people carry a lighter or matches, we prefer a refractory steel, since we know that we can depend on it to work when we need it. You need one of these in your pack whatever your activity; in fact, put one on your keychain. It can be used with any type of fire-making tinder, can be used wet, and is virtually indestructible.
Water purifying tablets
Always keep water purifying tablets in your medicine cabinet, whether you keep it in your survival kit or first aid kit. Even the simplest incidents can become drastic and life-threatening without water, and because of its size and weight, there is no excuse to go anywhere without carrying it.
Space blanket
This item is very helpful in keeping a victim warm by reflecting their own body heat. Space blankets are useful in a variety of settings.
Hydrocortisone cream
Hydrocortisone cream can be used on insect bites, nettle stings, and the like. Using a cream like this can help prevent simple things like bug bites and bites from ruining a weekend of camping.
Insect repellent
Never underestimate the importance of an insect repellent. Why suffer from all those mosquito bites when you can apply some bug spray and forget about them?
Antihistamines
Many consider antihistamines optional unless, of course, you have allergies. Again, these can help turn a miserable camping trip into an enjoyable one with a small tablet.
Antacids
If you know you tend to suffer from excess stomach acid, be sure to pack a pack of these.
As a final note, all of the above items are useless without a competent first helper. If you are participating in any outdoor activities, seriously consider participating in a first aid course not only for your own benefit, but also for other members of your group.