It happens to everyone that sooner or later they need a first aid kit. If you are planning a camping holiday, it is of utmost importance for your well-being to have one that is suitable for travel. An ideal camping kit should contain all of those items that can help you in case of possible problems, including some life-saving medicines and other medical supplies. Before setting up your kit, please follow the instructions in this article to make sure it is safe.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Container
Step 1. Decide on the size of the container
The volume of the kit depends on the intended use and the number of people who use it. Generally speaking, if you have to carry it on an outdoor excursion, it must be large enough to hold an adequate amount of medical supplies for each person, but at the same time it must be light and easily transportable.
- If you are a solo backpacker or in the company of one or two people, choose a smaller container, as the less you have in your backpack, the better. If you add too much weight, you put too much strain on your back and you can get very tired, thus compromising your journey.
- If you are camping with a large group, get a larger first aid kit, which you can find online, in department stores and stores that specialize in outdoor products.
- If you're traveling by RV, you can search online or at camping gear stores to find emergency car kits. Generally, they contain all the essential elements for a car trip, such as zip ties, bungee cords and spare spark plugs, which are always useful in an emergency.
Step 2. Decide what to use as a container
First aid kits can be of any shape and size and be made from a wide variety of materials. Although some people use their backpack, bag, or even a cardboard box as a first aid kit, it's best to opt for a waterproof container with a tight seal when camping. Then choose a material such as plastic, metal and tin; also remember that size matters. You have to base the choice of container on the number of people who will be with you and on the duration of the trip. If you are able to prepare a kit yourself, you can choose between these types of containers:
- Lunch box, tupperware-type boxes and other food storage containers that are reusable or disposable. There are infinite solutions on the market; the more modern versions are generally made of plastic, have a gasket that seals the lid and the Red Cross symbol on the outside;
- Transparent plastic bag with airtight closure;
- Plastic and clean food container.
Step 3. Know where to buy the first aid kit
If you are not very skilled at crafts, you can buy the ready-made kit. Costs vary based on the size, content and material of the vessel.
- You can find first aid kits in many wholesaler centers, drugstores, best-stocked supermarkets, home improvement stores or shopping malls.
- Specialized retailers, such as those for camping and outdoor living, can sell specific kits for this type of trip. The clerks will be able to answer all your questions; this can therefore be a great choice if you are not used to camping holidays.
- You can also find first aid kits for sale online. However, you should avoid this kind of shopping if you are not very familiar with the outdoors and don't know exactly what to look for.
Part 2 of 3: Organizing the First Aid Kit
Step 1. Obtain wound and burn material
You need to be prepared for any accidents during your camping holiday, so it's important that you have everything you need to have at your disposal. Gather all these products:
- Patches of different sizes and shapes. Make sure you also insert the butterfly ones, as they allow you to bring the flaps of deep cuts closer, as well as triangular bandages suitable for creating shoulder straps or fixing dressings;
- Blister plasters;
- Gauze;
- Elastic bands to wrap the dislocated joints;
- Skin protection plasters;
- Cotton swab;
- Antiseptic wipes;
- Antibiotic ointment and / or cream, such as Gentalyn Beta or Neosporin
- Ointment against burns;
- Denatured alcohol to clean tools, such as tweezers, in case they are needed to treat a wound;
- 3% hydrogen peroxide;
- A few plastic vials with sterile 9% saline can be very useful for washing away any residue or dust from the eyes, for cleaning a wound, and for removing dirt (which is the first step in any treatment).
Step 2. Gather essential medications
When traveling, you should put everything you need for medical care in your first aid kit.
- Any prescription drugs that you or your travel companions use;
- Over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Medicines for gastrointestinal disorders, such as antacids or antidiarrheals;
- Antihistamines, in the event of allergic reactions, such as over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
- Antibiotic creams for topical use, to treat minor and superficial wounds.
Step 3. Include tools
When living outdoors, a variety of accessories are needed to deal with pitfalls and heal wounds. In your kit you should therefore also include:
- Tweezers;
- Scissors;
- Magnifying glass;
- Safety pins;
- Scotch tape;
- Needle and thread, if something needs to be repaired;
- Sterile gloves, necessary for handling dirty material;
- Waterproof matches and lighter;
- Tablets to purify the water, in case there is no availability of running water and you have to use that of streams or lakes;
- Small razor blade;
- Nail clipper;
- Electric torch;
- Different types of battery;
- Isothermal blanket, which is a reflective aluminum blanket to keep handy when temperatures drop dramatically or if you are completely drenched in water.
Step 4. Get several sprays and creams
Depending on the climate and other weather conditions, you will need the following products during your trip:
- Cream or spray against itching, especially useful for relieving discomfort and pain caused by insect bites and contact with poisonous plants;
- Spray to soothe burns;
- Vaseline against rubbing irritations;
- Lip stick;
- Sunscreen.
Step 5. Include several items specific to your particular needs in the kit
These items are optional and depend on your personal needs and care.:
- Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), if you have severe allergic reactions;
- Multivitamin supplements, if you are following a particular diet;
- Kit against snake bites, if you are hiking in areas where these animals may be present;
- Dog shoes, if you are hiking with your faithful friend, to protect his paws on rough terrain;
- Sanitizing wipes for children, if you are traveling with a small child;
- Cream to relieve chafing and friction irritation if you hike in humid environments.
Step 6. Take the weather conditions into account
Depending on the climatic conditions you will encounter during your camping trip, specific accessories may be required. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave.
- If you're vacationing in a hot or humid environment, bring water-resistant sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of at least 15, a portable cooler for food and drink, lightweight clothing such as nylon or polyester.
- If you are camping in a cold place, don't forget lip balm and a moisturizer, as low temperatures can irritate and dry out the skin.
Part 3 of 3: Assemble the First Aid Kit
Step 1. Organize the material
Group objects according to their use. This means gathering all the medicines in one separate section, the burn and wound treatment products in another, and so on. If you purchased the kit online or from a retailer, it will already be divided into sectors. If not, you can glue a cardboard or plastic divider to create a barrier or keep the items belonging to each category in plastic bags. It is important that the kit is well organized, as in an emergency you will need to quickly locate the different materials.
Step 2. Know what needs to be stored in the plastic bags
In some cases, some elements of the kit must be sealed in plastic bags before being placed in the container. Make sure you know what they are.
- Anything that smells strongly, such as antifungal lotion or creams, must be sealed in a separate package so as not to spread the odor and not attract predators.
- If you are going to a faraway place and need to bring the first aid kit on the plane, you must make sure that the containers of liquids, gels and creams are the size allowed for this type of trip. The regulations for air travel require that all liquids and creams must be stored in containers that do not exceed 100 ml and that all packages are in a transparent airtight plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one liter.
Step 3. Make a final check of the kit before you leave
On the evening before your trip, make sure all items are inside the container and ready for camping. Make sure your medications aren't expired, your batteries aren't dead, your tweezers and other tools are sharp and ready.
Advice
- Don't be afraid to ask all the necessary questions if you are a novice camper. Go to a specialized camping or sports equipment store and ask for advice on the type of first aid kit to take with you.
- If you are traveling in a large group, compare yourselves. Knowing the medications your fellow adventurers need, any specific dietary restrictions, and the medications they need are vital to your well-being while on vacation.
- It's a good idea to take a first aid course and get certified in CPR before your camping holiday. Having the right connections can save the life of some of your travel companions.
- Pay attention to the products you give to children. Many are unsuitable for use on children, such as hydrocortisone cream (which is not safe for small patients under the age of six).
- Boy Scouts are not allowed to have over-the-counter drugs in their kits, but prescription drugs are allowed.
