Things You'll Need:
- The Basics of all First Aid Kits (list appears in article)
- Prescription medication
- Over-the-counter medication
- Special extras that match the risks of the adventure
- First Aid book preferrably with pictures
- List of emergency contact information
- Ziplock bags - various sizes
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Step 1
Assemble the basic first aid kit items:Disposable glovesSterile gauze in all sizesScissorsBandage tapeBandages in all sizesDisinfectant wipesAlcohol wipesThermometer (the head strip type is a good option for multi-person use)CPR face shieldBlanketSaline solution / eye washBottle of waterCotton ballsQ-tipsCrush to cool cold packsLollipop (great for calming kids or quick diabetic assistance)Tweezers (great for taking cotton from a container without contaminating other balls, and for removing splinters/glass chips)
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Step 2
Request / pack extras of your prescriptions from your DoctorIf possible, get an extra set of your prescription to take on the trip. Some items such as prescription asthma inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors and diabetic items should be a continued component of your kit. In any case, items are sometimes damaged or lost during travel and having an extra set of your prescription medication is just a good idea.
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Step 3
Include over-the-counter (OTC) medication.Supplemental OTC medication should be considered when packing your first aid kit. Injury and illness are very possible when camping in the outdoors and access to medical attention may be slow or near impossible depending on your camping location. If you take prescription medication, it is a good idea to confirm with your doctor which OTCs are compatible with your prescriptions. Some OTCs to consider for your first aid kit are:* NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (example: Motrin), and naproxen (example: Aleve), are very useful for pain, inflammation, and fever. * Benadryl (or other anti-histamine) liquid and topical formulas in case of allergies* Neosporin or other anti-bacterial formulas for cuts and bruises* Eye drops and saline solution* Pepto-Bismol or other digestion related options* Topical Burn gel
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Step 4
Consider the special first-aid risks unique to your site / adventure, and include response items.Your camping site may have known local hazards. Ignorance can be fatal, so call ahead and ask. For example, the area may be notorious for rattlesnakes, or poisonous frogs, bears and so on. You may need to carry a pistol or a flare gun, anti-venom, a neck brace, or remedies known to the local folks.
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Step 5
Contain it all in waterproof fashionLet's face it, in the outdoors, rain, lakes and puddles are part of the adventure so keeping your first aid gear dry is important. The first aid kit container should be waterproof, and in addition, packing blankets and bandages in Ziploc bags is an added bonus. Bear in mind, disposing of used first aid items is also important, so bagging the soiled, used items in waterproof containers before disposing of them is also a good idea. Ziploc bags come in all sizes, even big enough to hold a sleeping bag, so finding one to contain all your first aid gear should be no problem.
