Your Camping Trip Should Include a First Aid Kit!

Hope Whitley's photo

A camping trip is one of the most enjoyable things that a family can do together, but you should always keep safety in mind!

No matter how careful you may be, accidents can happen.

It might be a minor campfire burn or sunburn, poison oak or ivy, insect bites, a scrape, scratch or any one of a number of other possible booboos---but whatever the case may be, having a well stocked first aid kit on a camping trip is a necessity!

Here are some things you should have in a first aid kit:

  • Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
  • A pair of sterile gloves.
  • Gauze dressings/pads.
  • Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes.
  • Antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection.
  • Burn ointment.
  • Nonstick Sterile Pads, such as Telfa pads.
  • Eye wash solution to flush the eyes.
  • Thermometer
  • Ice pack
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Tongue depressors
  • Tube of petroleum jelly  
  • Blanket
  • Water
  • CPR Mask
  • Aspirin, Tylenol or Ibuprofen
  • Anti-itch medications, like hydrocortisone cream.
  • Benadryl for allergic reactions.

    It’s better to be safe than sorry, and if you’re in a rather isolated area on your camping trip, you may not be close to a medical facility. So, it’s best to be prepared for the unforeseen so that you are able to deal with accidents or other medical emergencies if the occasion arises.

    Keep your First Aid Kit in a designated place, and be sure that everyone is aware of where it is to be found, should it be needed in a hurry.

    Everyone, even older children, should know basic CPR and the Heimlich maneuver! There are classes available at many colleges, the YMCA/YWCA, hospitals, etc.

    None of us want our camping trip marred by a sudden unexpected medical emergency, but sometimes things do happen, and it is just common sense---plus it will provide peace of mind---to be ready if first aid is needed!