| Carrying a
basic first-aid kit can help you survive everything from a sore tooth to
an upset stomach to relief for a blistered hand.
A well stocked first aid kit is a must for camping. Several companies,
including Adventure Medical
Kits and Outdoor
Research, offer pre-stocked kits. If you want to assemble your own
kit, go to Equipped to
Survive for a suggested list of items to carry.
Be sure to add any prescription medications or unusual drugs or herbs
that you regularly use to your kit. Note - you should follow directions on
the label for use of all over-the-counter medications. Also, follow the
directions of a physician for use of all prescription medications.
I find it useful to duplicate medications in other kits that I carry.
For example, I add a small container of Tylenol PM, cough drops and Tums
to my personal kit that I bring into the tent with me at night. These are
things that I might need in the night and I don't want to try searching
through my first aid kit in the middle of the night. I also add aloe vera
gel and/or burn medication to my kitchen kit so if I burn myself while
cooking, I have it handy.
Things to remember when preparing your kit:
- The environmental extremes you'll encounter on your trip - altitude,
cold and heat
- Number of people and any pre-existing conditions within your group
- Number of days the kit will be in use
- The distance from medical care
- Your own and the group's medical expertise
- Choose items for your kit that are multi-purpose and versatile
- Check your kit prior to every outing - make sure medications haven't
expired and everything is intact. Leave out items that may be
unnecessary for that particular trip
- Become familiar with the proper uses of all items in your kit before
you need to use them
- Each member should carry a small personal kit
Members
Suggestions
Anne Ainsworth - A full sized Sam Splint (for sprains and
breaks) and Spenco Second Skin (for burns and blisters) are great
additions to a first aid kit.
Links and Information
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