Camping First Aid Kits
The thing about camping is that it takes you away from civilization and fast access to most emergency services.
Best Rated Camping First Aid Kits Available Online
Prevention is better than cure of course but in cases of emergency you will need to make your own or purchase ready made camping first aid kits. Many good ones are available online for great prices so make sure you check on the Internet first.
Here are some simple tips and advice which can help you out on your next adventure.
For starters - take lessons. There's not much point in having a camping first aid kit if you don't know how to use it. First aid lessons are available in most towns and cities through the American Red Cross. I'm sure other countries have their own versions. These are the best places to get up to date skills and knowledge on what you should be doing in an emergency. First aid techniques change quite often so you'll probably find that any certificates you get are only valid for a few years. Generally it's 3 years maximum.
Teach your children all that you
can. Don't forget that it may be you relying on
them in an emergency. Take out the first aid kit and tell
them how to use everything in it and help them practice if
necessary.
Children who have even some skills in an emergency situation are far less likely to panic and will ultimately be more useful in such a situation.
So what should you pack in a first aid kit? Start off with a manual. The American Red Cross provides an excellent one.
Small Swiss Army Knife. This is a very useful tool to carry at all times. Leatherman multitools also produce a superb bunch of tools that can be handy in a lot of situations.
Emergency Fire Blanket. These are waterproof light weight blankets that are reflective on one side. Usually they are very easy to pack away due to their light weight.
Razor Blade. Excellent tool for removing splinters and is much more useful if you pack a magnifying glass with it.
Mirror. Can be used for signalling for help and removing splinters in areas your eyes can't see, namely your rear end.
Thermometer. Don't really need to say anything abut this do I. Just make sure you buy a sturdy one or comes in a strong case so it doesn't break.
Sterilized water. Use this when cleaning a wound to prevent infection. Can also be used for drinking if there is no other water supply. A bottle of sterilized water will have a shelf life of around 5 years.
Bandages. Triangular bandages for arm and shoulder injuries. Include gauze pads.
Cold Pack. Prevents any exhaustion caused by heat as well as treat burns, sprains, bruises, swelling, toothaches and headaches.
Other things to pack include medical tape, thread and needle, gloves, safety pins, scissors, eye dressing, band aids and a wrap bandage that is large and compressed.
A wrap gauze should also be included and don't forget antiseptic wipes, lip balm (protection from sun). Pack in some Neosporin for kids when they get small wounds.
Needless to say is you will need some sort of pain killer such as Tylenol and a non aspirin version for children. For just in case make available some decongestants for the kids and antihistamines for the adults and if you are camping in the heat put in some salt tablets.
This sounds comprehensive and large but it should all pack down into a relatively small package that you can carry on your person or in your pack. If you look around you should be able to find a first aid kit that will have most, if not everything included all ready made up.
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