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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.

How to get the perfect first aid kit for you.

Purchase a first aid kit

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

Make 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.

Purchase 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.

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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 and/or 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
• local poison control center
• your physicians
• family members and friends (home and work)
  

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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.

Make one.

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
• anesthetic/antiseptic wipes (3)

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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!

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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!