Don’t Forget These First Aid Essentials on Your Next Camping Trip
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Be prepared is the Boy Scout motto for a reason! You don’t want to be caught in the wild without first aid essentials. But, it’s not enough to just buy a standard first aid kit from the store. While that might have bandages and antibiotic ointment, you’ll want to be prepared for more than just the odd scrape or two. Read on to discover more first aid items you should consider packing for your next trip.
Anti-Itch/Allergy Preparation
Whether the itch is from bug bites or a full-blown allergic reaction to plants or wildlife, you’ll want to have what you need to take care of the situation.
Benadryl can be purchased over the counter, and provides quick relief for a variety of symptoms related to allergies. It’s best to have this on hand just in case a camper has a severe reaction to a bug bite or bee sting.
For daily allergies, it’s best to have something like Allegra or Claritin, or some other non-drowsy antihistamine. Benadryl is effective, but it can cause intense drowsiness and is better used for more severe allergic reactions than just a runny nose.
Hydrocortisone cream is also ideal to help soothe surface-level itch.
And, of course, it’s essential to have some Visine or other eyedrops in case anyone is experiencing red, itchy eyes. Decent first aid kits will usually include sterile eye wash packets, but those don’t usually have anything to stop the itch and irritation.
Easing Ailments
Sure, you probably don’t need extra Tylenol, since acetaminophen is likely to be included in your first aid kit already. But if there’s an injury or illness and you run out, you might wish you’d packed it. The same goes for pepto bismol for stomach ailments. And aloe vera for sun burn.
Having the foresight to pack extra medication might save yourself a headache (literally) your next trip.
Preparing for injuries
If you’ll be on the go, hiking and hunting and generally keeping active on your trip, you’ll want to be well-stocked in the event of injury.
While a standard first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, and wound cleaner, it won’t always have compression bandages. These are crucial for helping an early injury, such as a sprain, heal. They can also alleviate some of the pain by applying a bit of pressure.
Speaking of pain, it’s a good idea to have ice packs and heat packs on hand. Ice packs are key for avoiding swelling or to calm down a bruise.
Heat packs, like the kind you can buy ready-to-use out of the package, are great to have on hand to eliminate cramps, whether they are menstrual cramps or cramps from a long day of hiking.
Don’t forget your furry friend!
If you’re bringing your dog with you, there are some additional first aid items you should pack, as well.
If you’ll be out in the woods, you can protect your pet (and yourself!) from bug bites using an all-natural concoction like Liquid Net for Pets. This contains citronella oil, cedarwood oil, and lemongrass oil– which naturally repel bugs.
If your pet does get bug bites and has an allergic reaction, a small amount of Benadryl can be used in a pinch. Check with your vet about the proper dosage. Wondercide Organic Skin Tonic Spray is a great item to have on hand to deal with bug bites or hot spots– and it’s safe for humans to use, too, in a pinch!
If you’ll be in cold weather, it may be a good idea to invest in some Musher’s Secret. Used by sled dog owners in freezing temperatures, this waxy substance can be applied to your dog’s paws to protect them from snow and ice, and prevent their paws from drying out and cracking.
