Save Big! Compile your own
Camping First Aid Kit

Save by putting together your own camping first aid kit for minor incidents that might occur while enjoying camping life.

When venturing into the great outdoors it's essential to have a well-stocked emergency kit and to know how to use it. Also, extremely handy to have at home or to keep in the car ready for use when small emergencies crop up when least expected.

Below is a list of essential first aid items to put into your kit. However, you know best what type of ointment or painkillers are suited for your family's needs or if any allergies for certain products exist, if any.

Basic supplies for a camping first aid kit

Basic Injury Kit

For injuries, however small, it's best treated as soon as possible. Disinfect a scratch, graze or cut before covering, for that you will need:

Antiseptic wipes or disinfectant like Savlon or Hydrogen peroxide which can be used for disinfecting cuts and scratches. Hydrogen peroxide is cheap and good to use as a mouth wash or to gargle, clean contact lenses and even sanitizing a toothbrush.

Plasters or Adhesive bandages in different shapes and sizes, for cuts and scratches.

Antiseptic or antibiotic cream to prevent getting infection.

Antihistamine cream to use for allergic reactions to bites and stings.

Sterile gauze for dressing and protecting wounds.

Bandages in different sizes for sprains and support.

Butterfly bandage for keeping the sides of a deep cut together, to prevent scaring. You can make your own by cutting elastic wrap into a butterfly shape with a narrow strip holding the two bigger sides together.

Medical tape available in cloth or paper, for securing a bandage or dressing and keeping practically anything in place.

Elastic bandages for supporting a sprained ankle or holding a splint in position.

Latex gloves protect your hands and the wound from dirt and infections.

In a zip-lock bag place all the requirements for injuries and mark clearly on the outside with a sticker Injury. This is the first step to building your own camping first aid kit.

General

Tweezers for pulling out a thorn or splinter.

A pair of small scissors for cutting bandages and medical tape.

Flash light or LED headlamp the headlamp enables you to have light while your hands are free.

Batteries spares for the flash light or headlamp.

Pain relievers Tylenol/Panado/Aspirin

Medication Prescription or non-prescription medication you might need.

Suntan lotion essential to prevent burning and sun damage when out of doors. Especially little ones should be protected from the sun properly.

Deep Heat or similar ointment or spray for muscular aches and strains.

Emergencies

In a separate bag mark Emergency place the following items in this:

Emergency blanket to keep warm in emergency situations.

Flares to summons help.

Matches for lighting a fire, keep dry in an empty pill container with tight fitting lid.

Suntan lotion essential to prevent burning and sun damage when out of doors. Especially little ones should be protected from the sun properly.

The second stage of building a camping first aid kit.

Non-essentials but nice to have

Eye wash/eye drops

Mosquito repellant make sure to take anti-malaria medication if venturing into a malaria area.

Bug Spray

Safety pins for holding bandages in place.

Lip balm for dry chapped lips, can be irritating if you don't have anything to put on.

Moleskin a soft fabric with adhesive backing used to protect or prevent blisters.

Cold pack handy to have for sprains and swelling.

When all the items are packed to your satisfaction into zip-lock bags mark them clearly and put them all into a bag of your choice, to keep everything together.Mark the outside clearly and make sure everyone knows this is the camping first aid kit.

For extra help use the handy list making shopping and packing for the trip easier.

Always check the camping first aid kit before leaving on a trip to make sure everything has been replaced and supply is sufficient.