First Aid

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

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.

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