First Aid Kit Checklist

Having a good first aid kit checklist means that you will have everything you need to deal with the scrapes, bumps and minor emergencies that can happen on a family camping trip.

A well stocked first aid kit in a blue bag

How to get the perfect first aid kit for you.

First of all, you can buy a first aid kit!

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There are lots of excellent first aid kits on the market.

For further details on the great First Aid Kit above and the best price to buy CLICK HERE.

Or, you can make up your own!

Find a sturdy container, and stock it with first aid supplies.

Here's a printable copy of a good first aid kit checklist.

OR, you can buy a kit and add to it.

This is what we have done. We bought a well-stocked first aid kit, and then added own own items.

No commercial first aid kit will have every single item that you might need. Choose a kit with a roomy case, and then use the list below and purchase any additional items you think you'll want.

Adventure Medical Kit

This kit has a good selection of standard items, and you can add a few more of your choosing.

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

Full size first aid kit checklist

Be sure that your kit has these items:

Bandages

adhesive bandages ("bandaids") in assorted sizes and shapes (small, medium, large, knuckle, fingertip)
sterile gauze pads 5 x 5 cm (8)
sterile gauze pads 10 x 10 cm (4)
wound closure strips 6 mm x 10 cm (10)
triangular bandage (to hold dressings in place or to make an arm sling)
elastic bandage with Velcro or clips or safety pins
medical adhesive tape
tubular stockinette
eye patches
pre-cut and shaped moleskin (to prevent or cushion blisters) (20)

Learn about first aid for blisters here.

Creams and ointments

antiseptic wipes and/or ointment
antiseptic hand cleaner and/or soap
antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
hydrocortisone cream (1%)
calamine lotion
insect bite swabs or ointment

Tools

tweezers
sharp scissors
thermometer
10 cc irrigation syringe
mini flashlight and extra batteries
a splint
tick removal tool

Read about how to deal with ticks on humans here.

Medications

acetaminophen (Tylenol / Paracetamol) and ibuprofen
sore throat lollipops and/or lozenges
extra prescription medications as needed

Other

first aid manual
disposable instant cold packs
barrier device for CPR
disposable non-latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)
plastic ziploc bag (for disposing of used materials)
pencil and pad of paper
family members' medical information
coins for pay phone

List of emergency phone numbers

9-1-1 (In the USA; Check the country you will be visiting)
local poison control center
your physicians
family members and friends (home and work)

Mini first aid kit

You won't want to take your big first aid kit along for short walks or trips to the beach.

Buy or make a mini kit, and pop it into your daypack or pocket. That way you won't have to return to the campsite when someone skins a knee!

Buy one

This little pack has all of the basics. CLICK HERE for more information on the contents and for the best price.

Make your own first aid kit

Use a sturdy ziploc freezer bag and stock it with these items:

adhesive bandages 2.5 x 7.6 cm (4)
adhesive knuckle bandages (2)
wound closure strips (2)
sterile dressing gauze 5 x 5 cm (2)
moleskin 5 x 6.4 cm
safety pins (2)
folding scissors
tweezers
antiseptic wipes (3)

Tips

Before your trip, read the first aid manual thoroughly so that you'll know what to do with all of these items!

Even better - take a first aid training course!

At the very least, know these basic first aid instructions.

Use this first aid kit checklist and restock the kit after each trip. Check expiry dates. Discard and replace anything that is out of date.

I've suggested quantities of some items. In all cases, though, take the size of your group into account when deciding how much to put in your kit. It's better to have too much than too little! And remember, when you're camping with kids, you can never have too many Bandaids!

Now that you have a good first aid kit checklist, click here to find more camping list ideas.

Planning a camping trip? Visit The Camping Family home page! You'll find helpful hints about planning, packing, gear, food and more!