Don't leave home without it
You definately don't want to leave home without your First Aid Kit. If you haven't experienced the need for a first aid kit yet, you will. It's only a matter of time.
We also encourage you, not only have a good first aid kit but know how to use it! There are several training programs available to you from your local fire department or Red Cross. If you have trouble locating a First Aid CPR Training program contact the Red Cross. They can direct you. There's more to first aid than just applying a band-aid.
You will come across situations, as we have, that require some first aid knowledge such as: treating a burn, treating a severe cut, setting a splint on a broken arm in the backcountry, removing an obstruction in the airway and an extremely important element, learning to remain calm.
Most of the people that you will perform first aid to are individuals that you know; friends, relatives, and immediate family members as your children. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to get the training and have the adequate tools to help those around you.
When you purchase a good first aid kit, you'll get all of the necessary items to treat most common injuries. You'll also receive a little guide book describing in some detail how to perform certain first aid procedures. Review the book!
Where can you find a good camping first aid kit? We recommend the Adventure Medical Fundamentals First Aid Kit. You can get one from REI. This camping first aid kitkit is compact for backpacking and can easily be stored in your vehicle.
More importantly, this good camping first aid kit comes with all of the essentials. It's organized in a nylon zippered pouch for quick identification and protection from the elements. It's adequately supplied to handle most common injuries: burns, cuts, infections, and broken limbs.
You'll feel at ease with the Adventure Medical Fundamentals First Aid Kit, knowing that the essentials are there for that unwanted emergency. Your training and your camping first aid kit are for the "what if's". You don't want anyone to get injured but when it happens you are prepared.
There are costs associated with first aid training and a camping first aid kit; however, when an injury occurs costs become irrevelant. You'll also save money upfront with this camping first aid kit. Buying each individual essential item will cost more...purchasing the kit saves money. Once you use an item, simply replace it. You don't need to purchase another kit!
Make Your Own First-Aid Kit
You can make your own camping first-aid kit. I would also encourage you to purchase a small first-aid field book. (Most first-aid kits that you purchase have a field book within the kit.) The field book should describe some basic pointers on how and what to do with a variety of injuries. And, get training in First-Aid and CPR.
The following is a basic list of items to use for your First Aid Kit. Some you 'll find around the house, other you may have to purchase.
Alcohol Wipes (12) - Use for cleaning needles, clippers, tweezers.
Aloe Vera Gel - Use for minor burns or skin irrations that require soothing.
Antibiotic Ointment - For the obvious minor cuts.
Baking Soda - Use to make an anti-itch paste. Just add water and apply to the itch area.
Band-Aids - Use for those little cuts and make sure to have an assortment.
Benadryl - Use for alleries.
Cotton Swabs - Use for cleaning or applying creams or ointments.
Elastic Bandage - Get 2 of these, a wide roll. They are use for sprains, strains or in somce cases to keep a dressing over a wound.
First-Aid Tape - We use both the 1 inch tape used in sports, and the conventional 1/2 inch tape. Having both has been useful for us in securing bandages.
Gauze Pads - Make sure the pads are sterile, preferably packaged in individual packages. You'll need several small pads for both covering and cleaning small cuts and scrapes. Get 3 large non-stick pads for larger cuts or scrapes.
Gauze Roll - Use a 2 inch wide roll. It's great for wrapping an injured arm or leg. Be sure it is also sterile.
Hydrocortisone Cream - Used for itching caused by bug bites or plants. Make sure the cream is 1% or less.
Ice-Pack - Use the chemical ice-packs. It turns cold when you break open the chemicals inside the pouch. Do not apply the ice-pack directly to the skin...just a side note.
Ipecac - Use for poisoning.
Latex Gloves - Use these whenever you have the possibility of coming into contact with someone's blood, outside of your immediate family memeber's. You want to use all the protection you can get.
Magnifying Glass - Use for those hard-to-see slivers, etc., the one's kids seem to attract.
Mole Skin - Use for blisters.
Safety Pins - Use for making a sling or pinning elastic bandages.
Scissors - Use for cutting tape or even skin in certain situations.
Sewing Needle - Use for those gruesome splinters.
Small Mirror - Used to check eye problems, also as an emergency signaling device.
Soap - We like using the liquid soap. Make sure it is not one just full of scents and get a small bottle of it. Soap is an excellent cleaner.
Syringe - Find the kind that has a bulb on it, it is great for flushing wounds with water rather than applying a cloth.
Tissues - A package of these can go a long ways. Good for bloody noses and general clean-up. Also, a great emergency fire starter.
Triangular Bandage - Used as a sling. You can make one out of a light piece of cloth. Get a cloth approximately 42" x 42".
Tweezers - Use to pull out those splinters.
Tylenol - Use as a pain reliever or fever reducer.
If you are allergic to bee stings or other critters make sure you have the adequate medication in you kit.
In review, have a good first aid kit always on hand, in your home, car and while abroad. And get some good first aid training...you will never know when you will use it.
Think Safety.
