Basic Camping First Aid

Injuries and physical inconveniences that can occur when out in the wilderness can easily ruin a nice camping trip. Don’t let a bee sting, poison ivy, or small cuts get in the way of your camping experience, come prepared! Listed below is a checklist of first aid supplies as well as possible scenarios and how to treat them. Although there are risks while camping, preparation will be on your side.

1. Band-aids in a variety of sizes and sizes
2. Sterile wound dressings
3. Bandages (crepe and elastic)
4. Antiseptic fluid
5. Eyebath and eye drops
6. Q-tips
7. Adhesive surgical tape
8. Thermometer
9. Scissors
10. Safety pins
11. Tweezers
12. 30+ SPF sunscreen
13. Insect repellent
14. Insect bite lotion (Stingose or calamine lotion)
15. Pain relief tablets
16. Antihistamine tablets

Many first aid kids come prepacked with many of these supplies, but make sure you buy the items that they don’t include. Also make sure that your first aid kit is restocked regularly and that there are enough supplies for multiple injuries. The wilderness is unpredictable, it’s better to have too many supplies than too little supplies. This is also a guideline to treat minor injuries, if any ailment becomes severe, seek medical attention regularly.

Bee Stings – If you know you’ve been stung by a bee, take the following steps:

1. Scrape the stinger out using a knife edge or fingernail. Don’t squeeze the area, as this will only inject more venom.
2. Apply a cold compress or take antihistamines to reduce pain and swelling.
3. If you experience any allergic reaction with bee stings, including rash, hives or swelling of the tongue or throat, seek medical attention immediately.

Ticks – Ticks are nasty, blood-sucking nuisances that live in the woods and fields of campgrounds, and that can carry Lyme Disease and other bugs. Treat tick bites with the following steps:

1. Spray the tick with tick repellent spray or dab with kerosene.
2. Using tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards, removing as much of the tick as possible.
3. Treat the bite area with antiseptic and cover with a bandage.
4. Save the tick – if you experience any unusual rashes or symptoms in the following days, seek medical attention and have the tick tested.

Scrapes and Scratches – There are numerous opportunities for scrapes and scratches on the campground. If you find yourself affected, take the following steps:

1. If you notice bleeding, wash the injury and remove any debris.
2. Cover with a clean bandage and apply pressure to the area.
3. If the bleeding stops quickly, cover the wound with antiseptic cream and a clean bandage.
4. If the bleeding does not stop, apply additional bandages on top of the original, maintain pressure and elevate the affected area above the heart. Seek medical attention if the bleeding is severe.

Dehydration – Spending all day in the sun can quickly lead to dehydration if you aren’t careful. If you feel excessively thirsty or nauseous, or if your skin looks pale and clammy, take the following steps:

1. Rest in the shade or in a cool place
2. Remove any unnecessary clothing
3. Drink cool water

If symptoms don’t go away, or if you begin to sweat profusely, feel headachy or confused, seek medical attention – you may have more serious heat exhaustion or heat stroke.