Having a camping first aid kit is like having a fire extinguisher at home. You always hope you never need it but are very thankful you do if you need it. The downside to a camping first aid kit is knowing what you need in one and what you don’t. When you have a camping emergency you want to make sure you have everything you need to help.
What you need in your camping first aid kit really depends on your first aid knowledge and skills. There is no need to have to carry around things you don’t know how to use. Nor is there a need for things you don’t use. The more you use it the more you’ll know what you need. Although it’s best to have more than you need. So where do you start on what to keep in a Camping First Aid Kit?
Your First Aid knowledge
Before you buy a camping first aid kit you need to be honest with yourself. How much first aid knowledge do you have? If the extent of your first aid knowledge is how to put on a band-aid. What you need in a Camping First Aid Kit is only a few alcohol wipes, band-aids, and a way to get medical help. That’s all you have training for so it’s all you should carry. Although if you regularly camp with others with more first aid training then you, it may be a good idea to carry what they know how to use. Just so they have supplies to help you out if needed.
On the other side. If you have professional medical training. You may consider carrying close to a full medics bag if weight and space allow. You’d be pretty upset if someone got a deep ax wound while camping and all you had to help them is your shirt and some band-aids.
Keep in mind when looking at buying a premade First Aid Kit, if you notice most of the stuff in it, you don’t know about it. It’s time to think about getting some more first aid training.
Store-Bought Kits
There are tons of camping first aid kits on the market. So many in fact that it’s hard to decide which one to buy. When looking for a camping first aid kit you need to decide what you need and how much you are willing to spend. Then look at what fits your needs.
Most of the store-bought kits have the same basic stuff in them. Every now and then you’ll find one that has something different like a tourniquet, or quick clot. It really depends on your price range.
For the most part, the difference in cheap store-bought first aid kits is the container they come in and how many band-aids it comes with. The real differences come with you start spending over $100 for a first aid kit. Then you have to look at what is in them, and the quality of the individual items.
Home Made Kits
Homemade camping first aid kits are the best way to make sure you have what you need. They will end up costing you more money. However, you get exactly what you need. Without having a bunch of stuff you don’t need in your camping First Aid kit. The best part is you get to pick the quality and quantity of what goes into your first kit. Not to mention the size and shape of the bag you carry it all in. This is truly the best way to have a personalized camping first aid kit that fits all your needs.
What to keep in a Camping First Aid Kit:
- Adhesive bandages (Band-Aids) of various sizes
- Gloves
- Butterfly Bandages
- Pads/ Gauze
- Medical Tape
- Bandage/ ACE Wrap
- Safety Scissors
- Tweezers
- Safety Pins
- Knife
- Alcohol Wipes
- Antiseptic Creams
- Super Glue (optional for personal use only)
- Mole Skin
- Aloe vera creams
- Eye Drops
- Duct tape
- Hand Sanitizer
Advanced First Aid Supplies and helpful extras
Now that you have the basics of a camping first aid kit. You may want to look into these more advanced first aid things. To help if you get into real trouble out camping or hiking. Of course some of these you will need the training to use properly so don’t think just because you have them you’re set. Get the training and know-how to use these before you carry any of it in your first aid kit.
- Israeli Battle Dressing
- Cat Tourniquet
- Sam Splints
- Medications
- Epi-pen if needed
- Ice / Hot Pack
Camping First Aid Kitbag or Box
With all these first aid supplies you’re going to have to carry it in something. If you buy a camping first aid kit it will come in a bag or box. However, if you make one you will have to find something to store it in. The best is to find a bag with lots of pockets and compartments. That way you can organize everything you need. The last thing you want is to spend 15 minutes find what you need because you have to dig through a mess. You can also choose to get a box instead of a bag. Some people even use an ammo can since they are watertight and big enough to hold most things. Just make sure whatever you use that fits your needs.
Conclusion
No matter what you carry in your first aid kit. Having one is better than not having anything. Get a first aid kit with the supplies you need and know how to use them. If you decide to buy a camping first aid kit, make sure you look at what comes in it before you buy it. If you choose to make your own. Get what you know how to use and make sure you have enough supplies to help those around you. With one last thought, hope you never have to use your first aid kit.