On this page you will learn how to put together a camping first aid kit. Whether venturing out into the woods for a day hike or an overnight expedition, there are certain things that you need in your first aid kit in the event of an emergency.

Before you get started, you should take a First Aid course so that you will know how to properly use the supplies in your first aid kit. First aid courses are available through your local Red Cross chapter as well as through various other organizations.www.redcross.org There are even special first aid courses that focus on outdoor first aid basics.

This task is easy in terms of difficulty, though you will want to give special consideration to purchasing the correct products as well as storing them in a manner that does not lead to contamination or deterioration. You will also want to give special consideration to the medical conditions of the people that you will be hiking with, including yourself. If you have an allergy to bee stings, you will want to bring extra antihistamine as well as your prescribed epinephrine pen if you suffer from anaphylactic reactions. If you are diabetic, your insulin and sugar tablets will be important to put in your First Aid kit.

Also consider the season that you are traveling in. In the summer, you will want to place added emphasis in bringing a cold pack in the even that someone experiences heat cramps or heat exhaustion.

There are many items that you should consider part of your required first aid kit that do not help after an injury has occurred. Instead, these items prevent injury. The following are items that you should have with you as part of your first aid kit to help in preventing injury or illness:

Water Filter and Water Purification Tablets

Lightweight and small, water purification tablets can save you weeks or even months of misery. Waterborne illnesses including giardia, e.coli, and campi bacteria are common in the United States and you should never drink untreated stream water. For added protection, you can bring along a water filter. http://planetgreen.discovery.com/travel-outdoors/water-purification-camping.html

Sunscreen

Sunburn can cause dehydration, infection, shock, and at the very least an unenjoyable camping trip. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunburn/DS00964/DSECTION=complications Keep extra sunscreen near or in your first aid kit. Remember to pack sunscreen that is sweat proof and water proof. If you are hiking with children, remind them to apply sunscreen often.

Insect Repellent

Many a camper has returned from their trip covered in infected mosquito bites. Keep bites to a minimum by wearing insect repellent, or wearing long sleeved shirts and pants if the weather allows.

When camping, a simple scratch can easily become dangerous through infection. Every first aid kit should include the following:

• Antibiotic Wipes
• Itch Relief Ointment
• Antiseptic Ointment
• Band Aids
• Sterile Gauze
• Medical Tape
• Burn Ointment http://camping.about.com/cs/advicetips/a/checklist06.htm

Remember to bring bandages and band aids of several different sizes. Medical tape is a necessity as simple band aids often fall off during exercise.

Before using any of the aforementioned products, check the ingredients to make sure that you are not allergic to any of them. Antiseptic creams often include lidocaine, which can cause topical rashes in certain individuals. Some people are even allergic to the adhesive in medical tape.

In addition, you should always bring along two zip lock bags, one inside the other, to store any contaminated or bloody dressings. This is especially important if you are hiking with other people. You should treat all bloody bandages, even band aids, as hazardous biological waste. These should be stored separately from your fresh, sterile bandages. They should be disposed of immediately upon returning home or elsewhere there is a garbage can with a durable liner.

As stated before, you will need to bring any medications along that are required for your health and well being. Some medications that you may want to include in a secure place are:

• Benadryl or other antihistamine
• Tylenol or other NSAID (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)
• Aspirin if you or another person you are hiking with are at risk for a heart attack.
• Tums
• Anti-diarrhea medicine

Keep all of these drugs in a secure place and out of the reach of children.

In addition, if you have been prescribed medications such as nitroglycerin, an asthma inhaler, epinephrine, insulin, or any other drug that you need to maintain your health, it should be kept in a secure place in your first aid kit or your pack. Consult with your doctor to see if there is any additional medication that you should be taking with you on your trip.

Simple medical tools such as tweezers and scissors can be equally as helpful in the event that you need to remove a splinter or cut bandages. Remember to sanitize tweezers with an antiseptic wash or wipes before using near broken skin.http://camping.about.com/cs/advicetips/a/firstaid01.htm You can also boil these items to sanitize them as long as they are made entirely out of metal. Tweezers should be stored in a clean area of your first aid kit, in a separate plastic bag if necessary.