Planning a summer camping trip is something thousands of Canadians do each year. It’s a great opportunity to break away from your busy daily life and decompress. You can enjoy nature, swim in the lake and cook smores over the campfire at night.
One thing you should prioritize as part of your trip planning is medical and first aid. Even if you take all precautions, you never know when you need to administer first aid. Whether it’s a small scrape or something more serious, you need to be prepared, especially when you are camping in more remote locations.
Here are some medical and first aid readiness tips for this summers camping trip:
Get first aid training
One of the most important things you can do to be ready to handle medical situations is to first aid training. It is invaluable education that can make a big difference in a first aid situation. Simply having first aid training will give you the confidence and knowledge you need to administer care. There are many community organizations who offer first aid training courses.
Pack all required medications
Make sure to pack all medications that your family will require for your trip. Its also important to pack anything that you may need, even if it’s a slim chance.
Research your camping destination
Every camping destination is different. Spend some time researching the area and understanding the potential risks in the area. Without researching, you may be unaware of serious risks and threats. This can help you better understand some of the things you will need to pack for your trip.
Make a list
Perhaps the best thing you can do when packing is to make a complete list of all the medical and first aid supplies you will need on your trip. This is the most effective way to ensure you have everything you need and won’t forget things. Double check you list as you pack.
Talk with your family
When camping, its important to be on the same page with all family members. Have a conversation about safety and potential dangers. Sometimes having awareness can help to prevent a first aid emergency from occurring.
Check your first aid kit
If you already have a first aid kit, great! But its important to take a look inside and make sure it is fully stocked. It can be easy to forget that you used some of the items. A quick check will ensure you have everything you need.
If you don’t have a first aid kit, its highly recommended you put one together for your trip. Make sure to stock it with:
- Bandages, gauze, and tape
- Disposable gloves
- Antibiotic ointments and creams
- Aspirin and other pain and fever reducers
- Antiseptic wipes
- A blanket
- Thermometer
- An instant cold compress
- Breathing barrier
You can get all the things you need to create a first aid kit right here at Appleby Pharmacy.
