Almost everyone needs a first aid kit at some point. If you are planning a camping trip, you should have a proper first aid kit. The ideal first aid kit for camping should have items to help with any potential problems, including emergency medicine and medical supplies. Before camping, be sure to follow these instructions to build a safe and portable first aid kit.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Disconnecting the First Aid Kit
Step 1. Determine the size of the container to be used
The size of the first aid kit depends on its use and the number of people it is intended for. In general, a camping first aid kit should be sufficient for everyone involved in the camp, but still light and portable.
- If you are traveling alone or with 1-2 people, use a smaller container so that your backpack is not too heavy. Backpacks that are too heavy can cause back pain and fatigue that interfere with your trip.
- If you're camping with a large group of people, you can buy family-sized first aid kits online and in supermarkets.
- If you're camping in an RV or camper car, try purchasing emergency kit for your car online or at a camping supply store. The kit contains essential tools for a car such as cable ties, bungee cords, and spark plugs for emergency situations.
Step 2. Consider using a first aid kit
In addition to having many shapes and sizes, first aid kits can also be made of various materials. Some people use backpacks/ tote bags or cardboard to make a first aid kit. However, for camping, you will need a sealed, watertight container. Look for containers made of materials such as plastic, metal, and tin. Also remember to consider the size based on the number of people camping and the time period of your trip. If you want to make your own first aid kit, the containers that can be used are:
- Lunch boxes, canned food containers, tool boxes, and other food storage containers, both reusable and single-use. The first aid kit that will be of great help is the supplies from the army medical corps. The latest version of the first aid kit is made of plastic, and has a reinforcing gasket and a red cross badge on the outside.
- Zippered clear plastic bag.
- Food containers made of clear plastic.
Step 3. Determine where to buy the first aid kit
If you don't make it yourself, you can buy a first aid kit. The price depends on the size, contents of the equipment, and materials.
- You can buy a first aid kit at many stores, such as drug stores, grocery stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores.
- Specialty stores, such as camping and outdoor activity stores, can provide a first aid kit specifically for camping. These shops are a great option if you're new to camping as the staff will also be able to answer any questions you may have.
- First aid kits are also available through internet sites. However, avoid purchasing a first aid kit over the internet if you're not familiar with camping and don't know exactly what you'll need.
Part 2 of 3: Filling the First Aid Box
Step 1. Collect medicine to treat cuts and burns
You'll need to prepare for an accident while camping and stock up on the items needed to treat a cut or burn. Buy these items to fill your first aid kit.:
- Bandages, of various sizes and shapes. Be sure to prepare a butterfly bandage, which will cover the edges of the deep wound, and a triangular bandage to create a sling or keep the dressing in place.
- Blister pad
- Gauze
- Elastic bandage to cover sprained body parts
- Moleskin
- Cotton buds
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic cream, such as PVP Iodine solution and/or ointment
- Burn ointment
- Pure alcohol to clean tools such as tongs when needed to treat injuries
- A liquid containing about 3% hydrogen peroxide
- A number of plastic bottles filled with liquid 0.9% NaCl can be very useful for cleaning dust from the eyes or cleaning dirty wounds as a first step of treatment.
Step 2. Gather essential medical equipment
While on the go, your personal medical needs should be put in a first aid kit.
- Any prescription medications you or your camping buddy are taking.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
- Gastrointestinal medications such as antacids and antidiarrheal drugs.
- Antihistamines in case allergies occur, e.g. over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
- Topical antibiotic cream to treat small, deep wounds.
Step 3. Enter the required tools
When camping, you'll need a variety of tools to get through the snare and deal with any injuries that occur on the way. In the first aid box, enter:
- Clamp
- Scissors
- Magnifying glass
- Pin
- duct tape
- Needle and thread, just in case there is a wound that needs stitching
- Medical gloves, which are required for handling non-sterile materials
- Waterproof lighter and fire starter
- Tablets to purify water, if you run out of drinking water and have to use river or lake water
- Razor with a small tip
- Razor blade
- Nail clipper
- Flashlight
- Various types of batteries
- Emergency blanket, which is an aluminum reflective blanket in case the temperature gets so low that it becomes dangerous or if you get wet.
Step 4. Bring a variety of sprays and creams
Depending on the weather and other conditions, you may need some of the following creams and sprays for your trip:
- Anti-itch creams or sprays, especially those that help relieve itching and pain caused by insect bites and contact with poisonous plants
- Burn relief spray
- Petroleum jelly for abrasions
- Lip balm
- Sunblock
Step 5. Bring a variety of objects that suit your needs
These additions are optional and depend on your individual needs.:
- EpiPen, if you suffer from severe allergies.
- Multivitamins, if you have special dietary needs.
- Equipment for treating snakebites if you are camping in a non-snake-free area.
- Dog boots if you are camping with the dog. Boots can protect his feet from harsh terrain.
- Baby wipes if you are hiking with small children.
- Anti-scratch or anti-friction cream if you hike in a humid environment.
Step 6. Consider the weather conditions
Depending on the weather you are camping in, you may need special equipment. Be sure to check the weather forecast before going camping.
- If you're camping in hot or humid places, bring a waterproof sunscreen and lip balm containing at least SPF 15, a food and drink cooler, and clothing made of lightweight fabrics such as nylon and polyester.
- If you're camping in a cold place, bring a moisturizer and lip balm as winter can make your skin dry and irritated.
Part 3 of 3: Making a First Aid Kit
Step 1. Organize your supplies
Group objects according to their use. For example, supplies of medical equipment in one section, items for treating burns in another section, and so on. First aid kits purchased from stores or via the internet already have separate sections. If not, you can glue cardboard or plastic as a barrier or store the items in a small plastic bag. This setting is important so that in an emergency, you can find the items you need quickly.
Step 2. Decide what items to put in the plastic bag
Some items in the first aid kit must be put in a plastic bag before being stored. Be sure to know what items to put in it.
- Items with strong scents, such as lotions and some antifungal creams, should be wrapped in plastic to hide the smell and keep predators away.
- If you're camping in a remote location and have a first aid kit on board, you'll need small amounts of liquids, gels, and creams. For cabin baggage, all liquids must be stored in containers measuring 100 ml or less and must be placed in a sealed plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 liter.
Step 3. Check your first aid kit before leaving
Make sure that all of the items in the first aid kit are available and ready the night before you go camping. Also make sure the medication is not expired, the battery is working, and the clamps and other tools are sharp and workable.
Tips
- If you don't have much experience in camping, don't be afraid to ask questions. Visit a camping or hiking supply store and ask for advice on what type of first aid kit you should take with you for your trip.
- If you're going camping with a lot of people, communicate. Knowing these people's medications, special dietary needs, and medical needs is critical to their health.
- You can take first aid classes and get certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before camping. That insight could save the life of your camping buddy.
- Consider the use of remedies when treating children. Many products, such as over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (should not be used for children under 6 years of age), have different age limits.
- Scout members are not allowed to bring over-the-counter medicines in their first aid kit, but they are allowed to bring prescription drugs.
