How to Assemble A Camping Emergency First Aid Kit

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By georgelarson
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Emergency first aid kit for camping.

The great outdoors is a fun place to camp, hike, and swim Careful planning about safety and packing an emergency first aid kit will ensure the fun continues even after an emergency event.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Camping Emergency First Aid Kit

To prevent or respond to hazardous or emergency situations while camping make sure you assemble and bring these first aid supplies.
• Pocket knife. You just can't leave home without one. You will use one for cutting shavings or whittling if you need a fire, cutting bandages, making repairs, and more.
• Flashlight: Pack a bright, reliable flashlight and extra batteries. You will need it for night walks, finding the facilities at night, or if you're caught on the trail after dark.
• Water bottle: Carry a regular water bottle or invest in a hydration pack. Water purification tablets are necessary so you don't drink water directly from rivers, streams, or lakes without purifying it.
• Extra clothing: Pack two more layers of clothing than you think you'll need in case you are forced to spend the night outdoors, or if the weather suddenly turn on you. Make sure at least one layer is windproof and waterproof. Pack a hat and extra socks, too.
• Compass: Keep your map and compass in your hand or in a convenient pocket. Know exactly where you are at all times. It is very easy to get confused as to where you are and how to get where you want to be.
• Rain gear: The weather can change to stormy without notice. Staying dry is essential to staying warm and avoiding hypothermia.
• Sun protection: Always carry sun block, sunglasses, and a hat to protect from the UV rays, even if it is overcast.
• First Aid Kit: Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, bug spray, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen.

When everyone on your trip uses common sense, chances are you won't need your emergency first aid kit for anything more than a bandage or sunscreen. If there is an accident, or if other campers in the area do get into trouble, you'll be ready to help.
Step 2

Basic Emergency First Aid Kit For Camping

A great idea is to seal each item in your camping first aid kit in ‘seal-a-meal’ air tight pouches to prevent contamination and mildew. Items remain waterproof even if your container leaks. That way you know the first aid supplies are fresh and any item that has been used is open so it can be replaced. Frequently used items such as band-aids can be put in zip-loc bags. Be sure to keep items that are in bottles inside zip-lock bags in case they leak.
• Waterproof container
• Antibacterial soap
• Bottle of Betadine
• Quarters or calling card number (for emergency phone calls in case there is no cellular service).
• Small mirror you can use to signal.
• Matches and candle for fire starting.
• Space blanket to keep warm or use for cover.
• Moleskin to use for blisters.
• Small scissor.
• Various sizes of Band-aids.
• Anti-bacterial ointment.
Step 3

Emergency First Aid Camping Instruction

Your emergency first aid equipment is important to have with you when you camp but you also need to know how to use it. Getting lost, being exposed to bad weather, experience insect bites or bee stings, campfire burns, etc, can all be dangerous situations. A quick first aid lesson online or from a community source will go along way in helping you know what to do, and how to use your supplies, to respond to an emergency situation and not react to it.
Step 4

Prevent the Need To Use Your Camping Emergency First Aid Kit

Know where you are going and what type of natural hazards there may be. Rivers, cliffs, lakes, and other terrains each create different possibilities for danger, all that can easily be avoided so you will not need to use your emergency first aid supplies.
• Encountering wildlife. To ward off bears, keep your campsite clean, and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. Use a flashlight at night may keep them away.
• Poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply an antiseptic lotion to the affected area.
• Inspect your campsite. Arrive at your actual campsite in the daylight to check over the entire site and to set-up camp.
• Look for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees, and hazardous terrain. Find a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Pitch your tent in a safe spot and far enough away from the campfire.

Comments

blonde-doc said

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on 4/24/2009 Great tips! I'm taking my kids camping for the first time, and your article on first aid is very helpful.

Gottaloveit said

on 2/27/2009 Thanks so much! I'm just getting ready (today!) to put together a boating emergency kit and will use your tips - they'll be quite helpful.