My Camping Source

For those that live in the cities and towns around the globe camping is a great way to get away from it all. But camping can have its own dangers. Understanding basic camping first aid is an essential part of being a wise camper.

While camping is fun and a great way to enjoy nature, there is a certain amount of risk. There’s always a chance that something could go wrong, and it’s very important to be prepared. Whenever you go camping, you should be sure to take along a camping first aid kit that will let you take care of minor camping accidents.

Ready America Emergency Kit Survival Camping First Aid! US $27.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 12:21:14 PDT Add to watch list

FIRST AID SNAKE BITE POISON VENOM SURVIVAL KIT CAMPING US $6.47 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 14:40:37 PDT Add to watch list

20-Piece Compact Camping Travel First Aid Kit US $3.98 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 16:05:41 PDT Add to watch list

Lightweight Compact Camping First Aid Kit with Case US $2.69 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 16:05:45 PDT Add to watch list

You can purchase ready-made camping first aid kits at any outdoor supply store. Or if you prefer you can make one yourself that has just what you want in your kit. After all you are the one that knows best what you might need out there.

If you are novice and do not have the experience of camping and understanding the possible dangers then start off with a ready made first aid kit. You will much better prepared then if you failed to bring one.

Camping First Aid - What to Take Along

A basic camping first aid kit needs to include gauze bandages and gauze, a small pair of scissors for cutting bandages, first aid (antiseptic) spray, burn cream, sunburn relief ointment, and tweezers. You may also want to include pain reliever medicine (and a children’s version if you’ll be camping with kids), burn cream, an antihistamine (to reduce the effects of an allergic reaction), and matches (to burn ticks).

Some items that may not exactly fall in the realm of camping first aid but are essential to have anyway are a small sewing kit, an extra flashlight and fresh batteries, and whistles for each camper to use if they are ever lost and need to alert searchers to their position.

There are some miscellaneous items that may be useful but not essential in a camping first aid kit, such as rags (for tourniquets), anti-diarrheal medicine, lip balm, and germ-killing hand gel. These items don’t take up much space but can be endlessly helpful, so if you can fit them into your camping first aid kit it’s definitely worth it to carry them.

Another consideration is aloe vera. This can come in very useful in a burn situation, either from sunburn or getting burned while cooking or working with the camp fire. Aloe can be directly applied to the burn area. If you have a way to keep it cool, on ice or in a refrigerator it will be more soothing.

Camping First Aid Kit – Keep It Ready

Your camping first aid items should be placed in a waterproof bag, and preferably double or even triple-bagged. Zip Lock bags work great. This will prevent any accidental damage to the items in the event of rain or from dropping your pack in a stream. You should also periodically go through the camping first aid kit and replace any items that are outdated. After several years, even the glue on bandages will start to deteriorate, so keep your supplies updated. Get in the habit of checking them before you go out, it can save you a lot of headache later.

Camping First Aid Training

Now just having a camping first aid kit along does not guarantee the good outcome. It is a very important part of the solution. But if you have not skills or training in dealing with emergency first aid then it will be more challenging to respond correctly should an emergency occur.

You would be wise to ensure that one or two people in the camping party at least know some basic first aid. You can get first aid training online, from a book or from a local class. Having at least some basic first aid training can go a long way in an emergency.

So be sure to enjoy your camping trips this year and remember to get your first aid kit ready before you go camping. Either build your own kit that has the items you need for your trip or go buy one that will meet your needs