Camping trips are one of the best things about the summer season, whether you're an avid hiker or plan on pitching a tent on the beach. Even if you're going to be snoozing in a luxurious RV, that doesn't mean you can ever be too cautious. Chances are, you're going to be a fair distance from any professional medical care, and if something should happen, you want to be prepared. Some injuries and illnesses will come as a complete surprise – these things happen. The best thing you can do is be prepared for anything probable to occur, and that's why you need a well-equipped first-aid kit.
The most obvious, but most important, thing to put into your kit first are any personal prescriptions. Whether it's something you have to take on a daily basis, such as insulin, or something that's on a case-by-case basis, like an inhaler, it's important to have enough to last you the entire trip and then some, just in case any gets damaged or lost.
The second most obvious is various treatments for sunburn (and, while you're at it, a regular burn – there will be campfires!). Plenty of sunscreen is a given, but assume the worst and bring ibuprofen, aloe, and a burn ointment just in case. A good multipurpose moisture barrier such as calmoseptine ointment is worth including in your kit.
Then come the important medical supplies for if or when someone gets injured. Bring hydrocortisone cream in case of bug bites to treat itching, but also bring allergy medication, as it could get worse and cause restlessness. An EpiPen is also a good idea for treating bee stings, especially if you're not sure that no one is allergic to bees. To treat injuries such as cuts and abrasions, be sure to visit a medical supply company for everything from band-aids to gauze and ace bandages. These are probably the most important aspect of your kit! Other important tools for treating injuries include a small flashlight, a pair of surgical scissors, and tweezers for removing ticks and splinters.
Complete your kit with some basic medications for diarrhea, migraines, cold and flu, and the like.
When going on a camping trip, it's always better to be safe than sorry. There's nothing more uncomfortable than being sick or injured in the great outdoors, especially if you're sunburned to boot! Rather than trying to anticipate what might happen, be prepared for every general type of ailment and you'll thank yourself later.
If you're interested in purchasing more supplies for your first aid kit, you should check out our collections of First Aid Treatments and OTC Products.
