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First Aids Basics for Camping

by admin

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Nov 25, 2021

Knowledge is Power

If you are setting off on a long trip, we recommend taking a short course on basic first aid that involves practicing how to clean and bandage different kinds of wounds, dealing with dehydration or stomach bugs, and broken bones and sprains.

A good first aid kit contains items that assist with different first aid requirements. Here are some categories to keep in mind.

Cleaning, Sterilising and Disinfecting

No wound should be considered minor when living outdoors. A small scratch or cut can quickly turn into something serious if ignored. Your kit should contain:

  • A disinfectant like Dettol, to clean dirt from a wound and sterilise it before treatment.
  • Anti-bacterial and anti-septic wipes to wipe small cuts and scratches.
  • Clean water for washing wounds. Drinking water should always be available in plenty to hydrate a patient and reduce stress.
  • Alcohol or non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers are always useful. Prevention is better than a cure, so using sanitizers often can keep your hands clean and prevent bacteria from entering the body.

Wrapping and Bandaging Materials

Outback Tracks highly recommends practicing how to wrap and bandage different kinds of wounds. In stressful situations like medical emergencies, practice and training can help both you and the patient stay calm. Ensure that your kit has a range of bandages and wraps for any kind of wound.

Include band-aids of different sizes and materials to help cover the smallest cut or scratch.

Gauze pads and bandages come in handy for sealing cuts and wounds that are deep and likely to bleed. Pressure bandages are an excellent way to cover serious wounds for a longer period of time, until expert medical attention is found.

Sports tape is very useful for providing stability to sprained ankles or wrists. A mild sprain in the wild can turn into a very painful experience if left unattended and can severely hamper movement.

Adhesive tape if often overlooked but is extremely important to hold dressings in place. Duct tape if often suggested, but this can be extremely painful when used directly on a patient’s skin.

Important Additions For Your First Aid Kit

First Aid isn’t only about cuts, wounds and sprains. Here is a list of other items that should be included to ensure no one in your group experiences discomfort on a long trip.

Sunscreen with a rating of at least SPF 30+

Sunburn ointment is a must to reduce the pain of a burn which can be very uncomfortable and painful. Consider aloe vera for milder burns and itches.

If members of your group are dependent on medication, it is important to check their prescription and carry extra of each medication, stored separately if need be in case the kit is lost or damaged.

Basic painkillers and paracetamol should not be overlooked, consult a doctor to know which over the counter medication you should carry.

Diarrhoea and constipation medicine is a must, especially if cooking outdoors or camping near a possibly contaminated water source.

Mosquito repellant can be a life saver, along with other insect repellants which are non-toxic and non-allergic.

Quality Camping Gear That Inspires Confidence

Out in the wilderness, luck favours those who are well-prepared. At Outback Tracks, we know that everything that can go wrong, will go wrong! That’s why we insist on stocking tried and tested equipment that you can depend on in every situation. Visit our website today for the entire product range!

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