Camping First Aid Kit

Trying to figure out everything that should be included in your camping first aid kit? I don’t blame you, it is an essential item for every camping trip and you are right in taking the time to make sure that it is fully equipped.

In general, most first aid kits should include the following:

Manuals: You must have an organized and well illustrated manual included with your kit. All the material that it contains will not help you at all if you are not well versed on how to use it.
Medications: Any prescription medications that anyone going camping will need and the equipment needed to administer those medications.
Pain Relief Drugs: If you will be carrying children, remember to get the correct form.
Allergic Reaction Drugs: This is a no brainer; every first aid kit should include this. You should not only get the liquid form, also consider getting eye drops and creams like Calamine Lotion.
Gastrointestinal Drugs: Tums, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol or popular examples.
Skin Cleansers: Alcohol, Peroxide are often used to clean the wound and surrounding skin.
Band-Aids and other dressings: Make sure that you have a wide variety of shapes and sizes to choose from.
Antiseptic Cream: This will prevent your minor scrapes and bruises from getting infected.
Emergency Thermal Blankets: This blanket will help you retain 90% of your body heat. It is also waterproof and can act as a wind barrier or lining for your sleeping bag.
First Aid Administration Equipment: Scissors, gloves, tweezers, medical tape, elastic bandages, etc.

What You Should Consider Adding

Insect allergies are commonly overlooked, when preparing for a trip. You may not even see the culprit that causes a rash covering your entire body. Do your research, and prepare to the best of your ability.

Insect Relief Pads
Aloe Vera, Vitamin A or Vitamin D ointment for sun burn, dry skin or other skin irritations
Waterproof Matches
Self Powered AM/FM Weather Radio
Emergency Contact Numbers
Money for Pay Phone
Emergency Fire Starter
Snakebite Kit
Common Cold Drugs: This will come in handy in the event that someone comes down with something.

First Aid for Your Dog

If you will be bringing along your dog, please be sure to run that by your vet. He or she can offer you some advice on what to do in the event of an emergency or suggest a great pet first aid kit. Bring along the dog shampoo in case they get into poison oak or ivy and keep an eye out for ticks and injuries to eyes and limbs.

These are the items that we feel are crucial for taking on camping trips but I’m sure that many other campers will swear that there are other items they wouldn’t leave home without. These are the basics and you should add as you see fit. Try to keep your first aid equipment together and easily accessible.

Fido could run into problems, too. Don't forget about him!

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