WHAT TO PUT IN A CAMPING FIRST AID KIT

Camping is a challenging task. You must have fond of hiking, mountaineering, fishing, hunting, cycling, and kayaking during camping. It is a high chance to get hurt, injured, or suddenly becoming unwell during camping activities. In such cases, having first-aid knowledge becomes crucial. 

First aid knowledge deals with small wounds, minor accidents, cuts, and scrapes. The knowledge of how to tackle minor accidents and unexpected emergencies creates great confidence. This knowledge helps you when you need immediate help or you go on solo camping. 

If you are going on outdoor camping, you should take the first-aid kit. A camping first-aid kit consists of a first-aid book, bandages, adhesive tape, roll gauze, antibiotic tablets, tweezers, scissors, and a knife. The first-aid book helps you to understand how to use these products. 

In this post, you will learn about the use of first-aid kit accessories. After reading this post, you will be prepared to handle minor cuts, wounds, scraps, and emergency crises. Let’s look at some important points that you should know to handle the wound. 

How to Deal with Minor Cuts and Scrapes

Minor cuts and scrapes usually covered themselves. Anyhow, first aid is essential to cure the wound. If you get cuts and scraps while traveling on rocky paths, apply an ointment or antibiotic cream. It will make your body’s healing process fast.

How to Stop the Bleeding

If your cut is bleeding, stop the bleeding quickly by applying gentle pressure with a clean bandage for 40 to 50 seconds continuously. Elevate the wound until the bleeding does not stop. Moreover, avoid seeing the wound again and again because it dislodges the clot that is forming and the bleeding will be started again. If the blood is flowing after first aid, contact your family doctor. 

How to Clean the Wound

Clean the area around the wound with a biomedical soap and a washcloth. Keep the soap away from the actual wound because it can irritate the wound. Use tweezers, scissors, and gloves for better cleaning. Through cleaning, you can reduce the risk of infection. 

What is the Benefit of Antibiotic Cream

Antibiotic cream or ointment does not heal the wound instead it makes the body’s healing process faster naturally. When you get injured apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream that will moisten the surface and keep the flies away from the wound. 

Why do We Cover the Wound

Covering the wound with bandages helps to avoid infection and harmful bacteria. Always cover the wound with a cotton bandage. If the wound heals enough to make infection unlikely, uncover the wound in the air. 

Change the Dressing for Better Results

Use adhesive or adhesive-free dressings daily. If your dressing becomes dirty or wet, you should change it for better results. 

First-Aid Kit Checklist

First-Aid Basic Kit

• First-aid Book 

The First-aid book clearly explains to you how to handle minor problems and how to use the first-aid kit. 

• Adhesive tape 
• Butterfly adhesive bandages in multi-sizes
• Nonstick sterile Pads
• Gauze pads
• Antibacterial ointment and cream
• Antiseptic wipes and rinse products
• Compound tincture of benzoin
• Ibuprofen/ Panadol/ Asprine
• Antihistamine
• Splinter tweezers
• Scissors
• Safety pins

Wraps, Splints, and Wound Coverings

• Cleansing pads
• Hemostatic gauze
• Liquid bandages
• Elastic wrap
• Finger splint
• Rolled gauze
• SAM splint
• Rolled bandages
• Hydrogel pads

Additional Medications

• Aloe vera gel
• Emergency blanket
• Antibiotic tablets
• Sunburn gel or spray
• Injectable epinephrine
• Oral rehydration salts
• Glucose to treat hypoglycemia
• Diarrhea medication
• Throat lozenges
• Lubricating eye drops
• Antacid tablets

Tools and Supplies

• Biodegradable soap (Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap)
• Hand sanitizer
• Waterproof container
• Medical waste bag
• Medical gloves
• Irrigation syringe
• Cotton-tipped swabs
• Safety razor blade
• CPR mask
• Standard oral thermometer
• Paramedic shears
• Knife
• Flashlight and extra batteries

Emergency Phone Numbers

• Family members contacts
• Friends contacts
• The local poison control center
• Wild-life security contacts
• Family physician contact

Homemade Kit vs. Purchased Kit

	Homemade Kit	Purchased Kit
Pros	Customizable based on your environment and needs	Comes pre-packaged with most essentials
	Provides peace of mind knowing every item inside	Easy to find and purchase
	Allows you to select materials you are familiar with
Cons	Requires research and effort	May not be ideal for all types of trips
	Could take up more space	Potentially contains lower-quality items
	Possibly more expensive

Fine-Tuned First Aid Tips

• Depending on your outdoor activity, the contents of your first aid kit should vary. Ultralight backpackers, rock climbers, and family campers will all require different supplies.
• Research any potentially harmful flora and fauna you might encounter on your trip and make sure to include appropriate antidotes or treatments in your kit.
• Keep your first aid kit in a waterproof container and carry it with you at all times.
• Include any personal medications for you and your party in the first aid kit.
• Basic first aid knowledge is crucial, especially if you’re heading to remote locations with limited access to help.
• When possible, pack extra supplies in your first aid kit. It’s better to have and not need than need and not have.

FAQs:

What should I include in my homemade first aid kit for camping?

The contents of your homemade first aid kit may vary based on your outdoor activity and personal needs. Generally, it should include items like bandages, antibiotic ointment, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, pain relievers, and a first-aid book.

Why is it important to have a first aid kit while camping?

A first aid kit is essential during camping because injuries, cuts, scrapes, and sudden illnesses are quite common during outdoor activities. Having a first aid kit enables you to provide immediate care before professional medical help can be sought.

When should I use an antibiotic ointment while camping?

An antibiotic ointment should be applied to a clean wound to help speed up the natural healing process and to keep it moist. Remember to cover it with a bandage after applying the ointment to prevent infection and keep insects away.

How often should I change the dressing on a wound during camping?

The dressing on a wound should be changed daily, or sooner if it becomes dirty or wet. Changing the dressing helps to prevent infection and promotes healing.

Is a purchased first aid kit better than a homemade one for camping?

Both have their pros and cons. A purchased first aid kit is convenient and comes with most essentials, while a homemade kit allows for customization based on personal needs, preferred brands, and specific outdoor activities.