First Aid Checklist for Camping
Activated charcoal can save you from food or chemical poisoning
Activated charcoal is routinely administered in hospitals for food poisoning, chemical poisoning and drug overdose. When possible, choose charcoal derived from coconut shells versus hardwood. The absorption power is greater. Don’t use charcoal for benzo overdose. When in doubt, call U.S. Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidelines. Dosages will vary according to an individual’s weight. I like to transfer my charcoal to small screw-top jars that can be stashed in first aid kits, backpacks and boating bags.
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Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful antibiotic for ear infections, respiratory infections, yeast infectons and antibiotic resistant UTI's
Grapefruit seed extract has long been prized as an emergency water purifying agent, but it's also commonly used to fight respiratory infections, ear infections and antibiotic resistant urinary tract infections. All over the world, GSE is used for killing salmonella, E.Coli, staph, strep, parasites, viruses and fungi (including Candida). Health enthusiasts use grapefruit seed extract as a daily supplement to kill disease causing microbes. Print this guide to learn how to use GSE for various ailments
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Kaolin clay stops bleeding fast, and it's cheap
The choice is yours. Spend $13 on a wound clotting sponge impregnated with kaolin clay or buy a whole pound of kaolin clay for $10. Simply store the clay in a clean salt shaker and sprinkle it onto the affected area after cleaning and drying your wound. Apply direct pressure with a cotton pad or clean cloth. Note: Kaolin clay is normally used for facials and body purification. It's valued by salons around the world for its ability to pull toxins from skin. Since the clay has a shelf life of three years, you can use your leftover supplies for facials.
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I transfer powdered supplies to salt shakers and attach labels
The Israeli bandage is used to stop severe bleeding
Combat medics and emergency responders carry the Israeli Bandage to treat gunshot wounds, puncture wounds, deep cuts, and other traumatic hemorrhagic injuries. The Israeli bandage can be used as a make-shift tourniquet, ACE Wrap or sling. I stopped carrying Israeli bandages because they do expire, and I ended up throwing away a bunch of old ones. I've learned a much cheaper way to stop bleeding. Keep reading!
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Maxi pads can be used to mimic the Israeli bandage
If you don't happen to have an Isralei bandage or wound clotting sponge on hand, improvise with Maxi pads, diapers, pregnancy pads, clean t-shirts, pillow cases or sheets. Tip: Many dollar stores sell children's t-shirts! Bring them home, wash them in bleach and store them in gallon sized zip locking bags. Pray that you'll never need to use them.
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Saline is now the preferred wound washing agent
Peroxide has fallen out of favor because it kills healthy cells that promote healing. Wound cleaners such as witch hazel and saline solution are the new standard. That doesn't mean you shouldn't keep peroxide in your first aid kit. A cheap backup solution is better than nothing at all. Camp wounds are bound to be more dirty than cuts and scrapes that occur at home, and proper washing isn't always possible in the wilderness. If peroxide is the only sterilizing agent you have, don't hesitate to use it.
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Trigger sprayers blast dirt away from wounds more effectively
When there's no access to running water to wash or rinse wounds properly, a powerful trigger sprayer will help blast dirt away from cuts and scrapes. I fill one bottle with witch hazel and one with distilled water for rinsing soap from wounds. I store these bottles with my shower supplies because they're too big for my first aid kit. I choose glass bottles over plastic because certain chemicals used in making plastic can leech into stored liquids, especially when summer temperatures soar.
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Strong fabric bandages won't fall off when you sweat
Traditional adhesive bandages don't stick very well in outdoor situations where constant sweating is a factor. You can buy a box of ten large super adhesive cloth bandages for about $6.00 at your local store, but I prefer to go online and get 50 super adhesive bandages for about $7.00. This ensures that I have plenty of supplies for our main first aid kit, our boating bag and both of our survival backpacks.
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Liquid bandage products form a waterproof seal
Protect those superficial scrapes and cuts when swimming in lakes and rivers! Even the cleanest waters have bacteria, fungus and microscopic parasites that can invade skin tissue. Some liquid bandage products are painted on with a brush, but I prefer a nice spray delivery system to avoid sharing bacteria among family members. If you don't have access to a proper liquid bandage product, use super glue. Sports medics always include super glue in their emergency kits.
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Get 24 high quality gauze rolls for $12.99!
Don't be caught without bandage rolls for sever traumatic injuries! Bandage rolls are often overpriced at pharmacies, and you only get a few rolls per package. Don't miss this chance to grab 24 high quality rolls for $12.99. I paid $24 for this deal last year. Even at full price, it's a steal. I now have plenty of bandages for my first aid kit, my boating bag and both of my survival backpacks.
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Duct tape can be even more useful than medical tape
Duct tape can be used to close wounds, make slings or hold bandages in place. To learn more about the emergency medical uses for duct tape, check out the following blog for inspiration:
Eight Genius First Aid Uses for Duct Tape: https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/duct-tape-first-aid/ |
A good pair of trauma scissors will cut tape more effectively
Always sterilize your hands before dressing wounds!
Aloe is best for sunburns, but be sure it's charcoal filtered
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, oil-based lotions may cause sunburned skin to retain heat. Chemical sunburn formulas containing benzocaine and lidocaine have a known tendency to cause allergic reactions. For these reasons, aloe is my preferred remedy for healing and soothing burns.This is my top favorite brand of aloe for several reasons. 1.) It's ultra pure, cold-pressed, hand harvested, charcoal filtered and certified organic. 2.) It comes in a BPA-free bottle. 3.) Because of the charcoal filtration process, this brand has a shelf life of three years. Most brands won't list an expiration date because aloe is notorious for losing it's potency within a few months.
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Coconut oil destroys yeast and fungal infections
Manuka Honey kills germs in the throat and doubles as a salve
Cough syrup is designed to soothe the throat, not to "kill" strep or staph bacteria. Just one jar of Manuka honey can replace many items in your first aid kit, including cough syrup, antibiotic ointment and acne medication. The medicinal effects of honey are now widely recognized by the mainstream medical community. Manuka honey is proven to be several times stronger than regular honey, but you must evaluate the K factor and choose a premium organic brand. Wedderspoon brand has an impressive K Factor of 16!
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Traditional cold medications are still a night time necessity
Let's be honest. Honey won't help knock you out when a violent cough keeps you awake at night, and it won't shrink nasal membranes to help stop a runny nose. I'm a big fan of organic alternatives, but sometimes, the best medicine is traditional medicine. I love that this variety pack includes both NyQuil and DayQuil. There are times when I want to fall asleep and times when I need to be alert.
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Eye flushing solution can save the day
A thermometer takes the guesswork out of diagnosing fevers
A syringe can help you administer medications to kids and pets
A CPR face shield can save you from contracting disease
Should you include a tourniquet?
Note that a tourniquet can do more harm than good in the hands of someone who doesn't know how to use it. After depriving the tissues of oxygen, the return of blood flow can pose risks. Additional complications can be caused by the pressure of the tourniquet on the nerves, skin, and tissue underneath it. The risk for permanent damage increases the longer the tourniquet is left on.
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Butterfly wound closures can be used in place of stitches
Never pay full price for antibiotic ointment
Why pay $8.00 for a simple tube of antibiotic ointment when you can get the same active ingredients for less than $3.00? I like to cut costs so that I can distribute supplies among hiking, boating and base camp first aid kits.
Iodine ointment removes moles and skin tags!
Since you're going to be sitting around a camp fire for endless hours, why not use this valuable time to remove skin tags? Check out YouTube for testimonies from people who have successfully removed moles with Iodine ointment. The premium brand shown below is quite pricey in stores, but you can get 4 packs for $10 through the link below.
Alcohol spray bottles are great for sterilizing surfaces
Calamine lotion is still a superior treatment for poison ivy
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Many topical ointments will help relieve that wicked itch associated with poison ivy, but few will dry up weeping and oozing sores like calamine lotion. Caladryl is one of the thicker brands on the market, making it much easier to spread and less likely to leak all over the place during the application process.
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Antihistamine cream takes the itch out of insect bites
Antacids are best for stopping heartburn fast
Ginger pills prevent heartburn from happening at all
I've suffered from chronic heartburn since I was in elementary school. I was about 45 years old when I learned that taking ginger pills before eating acidic foods such as pizza will stop heartburn from happening and provide long term healing effects. Since I began taking ginger supplements, it's rare for me to experience heartburn at all. I actually feel as if the ginger somehow healed my esophagus.There are times when I forget to take the supplements for days or weeks, and I still don't experience heartburn! I swear these pills fixed me. The only drawback is that ginger pills won't work as quickly as antacids. It may take about five or ten minutes to start feeling the effects, but the relief will last much longer.
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A good waterproof pill box is a must
A LOOK INSIDE MY PILL BOX
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I no longer pay full price for allergy medication!
A strong, organic alternative to traditional allergy medicine
Aspirin can stop a heart attack
Ibuprofen for pain and inflammation
Turmeric is a powerful organic alternative to ibuprofen
A flexible ice pack is far superior to a rigid pack
Ace Bandages
Use splint material to immobilize or stabilize broken bones
Bring duct tape as a backup to medical tape
In addition to closing wounds and holding bandages in place, duct tape has many emergency medical applications. Check out the following blog for inspiration:
Eight Genius First Aid Uses for Duct Tape: https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/duct-tape-first-aid/ |
Optional Extras for a Side Bag
Finger Splints
Knee & Leg Brace/Splint/Immobilizer
Calf Brace - Support for Shin Splints, Pain Relief, Strains & Sprains
Wrist Brace & Splint
Wrist and Forearm Splint
Elbow Brace Splint and Fracture Immobilizer
My chosen first aid bag
I needed something with multiple exterior pockets for easy access, and none of the first aid bags on Amazon seemed adequate. Multiple complaints about cheap stitching led me to consider different options. I ended choosing this sturdy cooler with reinforced stitching. I like that the nylon fabric is waterproof and easy to clean. I love that the bag has five exterior pockets to give me immediate access to frequently used items without opening the main compartment.This cooler bag bag comes with an extra liner, just in case the first one gets damaged. It couldn't be more perfect!
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You won't believe how much stuff will fit in this bag!
Main Compartment: Saline wash, alcohol spray, peroxide spray, witch hazel, aloe, coconut oil, calamine lotion, snap box stuffed with Band-Aids, 3 bandage rolls, trauma scissors, box of syringes, activated charcoal, kaolin clay, grapefruit seed extract, emergency pot with cooking candle. A roll of duct tape is under the pot. A splint roll is under the bottle of charcoal pills. Tucked Behind Zipper Lining: Alcohol wipes, maxi pads, plastic gloves, pill boxes, CPR masks.
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Top Compartment: Sawyer water filter, tactical knife, gaming sheers, sewing kit, fire starter, 2 lighters, waterproof matches, paracord, silverware kit, mini tongs, thermal gloves, mosquito net. A green folding saw is stashed under the paracord. It's hard to see in the photo.
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The black bag beside the main cooler contains an emergency head lamp with batteries. I lay this over the top of my supplies before I close the bag. It helps to have light if you're forced to dress a wound at night!
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Front Zip Compartment: Flexible ice pack, emergency masks, anti itch cream, extra gauze roll, nail clippers, tick tweezers.
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Ultimate Camping ChecklistDon't get caught without crucial items that will keep you safe and comfortable away from home. Consult our list to be sure you don't forget anything!
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Ten Ways to Banish MosquitoesDon't let the mosquitoes torture you on vacation! These nifty tips will keep them at bay.
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Tent Cooling TricksLearn how to block heat from the sun and simulate the effects of air conditioning within a tent!
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