When you’re outdoors camping, you’re going to be more susceptible to injuries than you would be if you were home on the couch, so it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared with the right supplies to take care of any injuries that may occur as a result of your outdoor activity. Here are seven first aid must-haves to consider bringing with you when you go camping.
1) Antiseptic wipes
Antiseptic wipes are a must-have for outdoor camping. They are a quick and easy way to clean minor wounds and prevent infection. Without any water, they can remove dirt and bacteria from the skin. They can be used in many different ways such as:
1) Cleaning hands after touching blood or other potentially contagious materials to avoid the spread of infectious disease.
2) Using them on minor wounds, abrasions, lacerations and cuts to cleanse the area before applying a bandage or medical dressing.
3) Cleaning surfaces that have been in contact with body fluids (e.g., toilet seats).
4) Cleansing contaminated areas of skin (e.g., from poison ivy or insect bites).
2) Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an essential item for outdoor camping. Instead of constantly dipping your hands in water to clean them, you can just use a little alcohol to kill germs and bacteria on the spot. Plus, they’re small and compact so you won’t have any trouble carrying them with you on your trip. They are a must if you plan to eat while camping since they allow you to put your food directly into your mouth without touching it first.
3) Antibiotic ointment
An antibiotic ointment is a must to have in any first aid kit. If you get a cut, the ointment will help prevent infection by killing off bacteria and fungi on the skin. It’s important to keep your cuts clean and covered with bandages until they heal completely so they don’t get infected. You should also use this ointment if you’re experiencing an allergic reaction or if you’ve been bitten by an insect or animal.
4) Bandages
Bandages are an important first aid item, and it’s important to make sure you have enough on hand. The basic rule of thumb is that you should have one bandage for every person in your group, plus a few extras in case someone gets injured. It’s also a good idea to pack more adhesive dressings than butterfly bandages – those can come in handy if the wound is gaping and needs something stronger. Other items that are great for any first aid kit include antiseptic wipes, cold packs, sterile gauze pads, burn cream or ointment, and alcohol swabs.
5) Gauze
Gauze is a great first aid tool for outdoor camping because it can be used as a bandage, dressing, and to cover wounds. Gauze can also be used as an emergency tourniquet if you have nothing else on hand.
Gauze comes in different sizes, but the most common gauze size is 4×4, which will cover a wound area up to 2×2.
The downside of using gauze for first aid is that you’ll need to change it often because it doesn’t absorb blood or moisture well. This means that the wound could become infected because the gauze isn’t protecting it from bacteria. Changing gauze often also helps prevent fluid build-up under the skin, which can cause swelling and discomfort.
6) Tape
Tape is a must-have for any first aid kit. It can be used to create makeshift splints, secure bandages, and seal wounds. In addition to being versatile, it’s also affordable and lightweight. All you have to do is buy some adhesive tape at your local pharmacy or hardware store and you’re set.
7) Scissors
A good first aid kit should also have scissors as one of its supplies. Scissors are needed to cut away clothing from wounds, to remove ticks from skin, and to cut off the strings from splints. As such, scissors are an essential tool for any camper’s first aid kit. The type of scissors used will depend on the severity of the injury and where it is located.
A few popular types of scissors include: small curved handles which can be easily stored in a pocket or backpack; curved handles with retractable blades that provide protection when not in use; standard straight handles; heavy duty metal with a hook blade which is great for cutting tough materials like seat belts or leather belts. Whichever you choose to pack, make sure they’re sharp!
If you want a pair that has some additional features, consider getting a pair with a serrated edge so they can easily slice through fibrous material like rope or grass while still being safe to use on skin if necessary. And remember: don’t forget some shears!
Conclusion
So whether you’re just out for a day hike or going on an extended backpacking trip, it’s important to know how to deal with unexpected situations like these. By keeping the 7 must-have items in your backpack at all times, you’ll be able to address most of your needs and keep yourself safe from harm.
