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FAMILY CAMPING ARTICLES
Preparation is the key to many things in life from business success to personal achievement. It is also the key to minimizing the damage when injuries happen.
Must Have Items in Your First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is one of those things you know you should have, but probably don’t. Even if you do, you probably do not know where it is or what is in it. Much like getting the oil changed in your car, it is something droll that you should keep on top of. In this case, you should both have a first aid kit and keep certain things in it.
Why should you keep a first aid kit? Well, you never need it until you really need it. This is particularly true if you have kids or are in a situation where medical attention is not readily available. Such scenarios can include camping or a natural disaster of the hurricane, tornado, flood or fire designation. Whatever the situation, you do not want to get caught unprepared for injuries. This is particularly true if the injuries involve cuts to the body because infections can be deadly if not treated.
So, what are the basic things you should keep in a first aid kit? Here are a few:
1. Bandages of varying sizes
2. Gauze of varying sizes
3. Antiseptic Spray or rub
4. Band aids
5. Aspirin or other basic pain medication
6. Over the counter muscle relaxant for pulled muscles
7. Sterile wipes
8. A strip of cloth you can use for a tourniquet in worse case scenarios
9. Tweezers for splinters
10. A Swiss Army knife with the scissor attachment
11. Sun block
This may sound like a lot of stuff, but you can roll and compact it really easily.
For many people, prescription medication is a must for various health issues. If you fall into this category, make sure to pack some extra medication from time to time. You do not need a lot, just enough to get you by for a day or two.
Obviously, maintaining your first aid kit is not a high priority item for most people, but it should be. If you get injured, you will be thanking the high heavens you have it.
John Grimes is with All Terrain - makers of first aid products for the outdoors and life.
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