Things You Must Have in a Camping First Aid Kit

Tap to Read ➤ Rita Putatunda

While camping can be a great stress buster, it is essential to be prepared for emergencies. Whenever you go camping, the most important equipment you should carry is a first aid kit. Here's why.

Although first aid kits are useful irrespective of where you are, they are especially important to have with you when you go camping. When you are outdoors, the chances of getting injured are much higher.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. For example, you are exposed to reptile or insect bites; you could get scratches or scrapes; extensive hiking could result in blisters; or you could even experience serious emergency situations while you're far away from civilization. A well-equipped first aid kit is useful to alleviate the pain of a sprained ankle or perhaps could even be a lifesaver.

While the items you include in your camping first aid kit will depend upon your activities, there are a few basic things that should be included in all kits. Given next is a list of items which you can keep in a container such as a cosmetic case, or a small drawstring bag, or any handy container that can be secured with a lid.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. A typical camping first aid kit for the family should include: A pair of scissors Tweezers First aid tape Cotton swabs Antiseptic wipes A couple of large sized compress bandages

Liquid pain relief spray Either a large tube of antibiotic ointment, or smaller individual tubes Different sizes of ACE bandages A small bottle of aspirin A small tube of hydrocortisone A breathing barrier kit for CPR A couple of pairs of latex-free medical gloves An oral thermometer which contains no glass or mercury A blanket for emergency

Although the given requirements are minimum requirements that you would want to have with you when you go on your camping trips, many outdoor experts also recommend adding the following items as well: Insect and bug repellent Eye wash or eye drops Water purifying tablets Aloe vera lotion or any sunburn relief spray Eye patches

Pain relief medication for toothaches Smelling salts Calamine lotion Various medications to combat common ailments, such as colds and coughs, headaches, stomach upsets, and so on.

There are many companies that have ready-made camping first aid kits on offer. If you plan on bicycling or hiking outings, or any other kind of outdoor activity that will involve moving away from the camp, you will require taking along an additional smaller sized first aid kit, with fewer supplies, that you can carry in your backpack.

Remember to include the amount of supplies according to the number of people going on a trip. Check for expired or outdated supplies and medications, making sure to replace anything that you throw away.

And finally, keep in mind that maintaining your camping first aid kit is as important as taking care of your other camping gear. After coming back from a trip, check the supplies in your kit and replenish anything that has been used up.