Building a Camping First Aid Kit
According to the American Red Cross, a well-stocked first aid kit is a handy thing to have, and you should keep one in your home, in your car, and carry one with you or know where to find one. For camping, the National Park Service recommends starting with a pre-made kit and modifying it to fit your trip and your medical needs. The Park Service also advises checking the expiration date on all items and replacing them as needed, and including any personal medications you regularly take.
The Red Cross provides a specific list of contents for a first aid kit intended for a family of four. That list includes items such as absorbent compress dressings, adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, adhesive cloth tape, antibiotic ointment packets, antiseptic wipe packets, aspirin packets, an emergency blanket, a breathing barrier with a one-way valve, an instant cold compress, nonlatex gloves, hydrocortisone ointment packets, gauze roll bandages, sterile gauze pads, an oral thermometer, triangular bandages, tweezers, and emergency first aid instructions. The National Park Service also suggests considering an emergency guide in case you are faced with an unfamiliar medical emergency.
Both organizations stress personalization. The Red Cross says to include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest. The Park Service echoes this, reminding campers to include any personal medications you regularly take. The Red Cross also states that you should check the kit regularly, check expiration dates, and replace any used or out-of-date contents.
Essential First Aid Supplies and Their Roles
A camping first aid kit contains several groups of supplies, each serving a distinct purpose. The table below organizes these items based on the Red Cross family-of-four list and the National Park Service’s guidance on first aid and the Ten Essentials.
| Item Group | Why It Matters for Camping |
|---|---|
| Wound Care (bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment) | For cleaning and covering minor scrapes and abrasions to avoid infection, as the National Park Service advises treating wounds immediately. |
| Personal Medications and Emergency Contacts | The Red Cross and National Park Service both stress including personal prescriptions and emergency phone numbers for individual health needs. |
| Splinting and Support (triangular bandages, roller bandage, cold compress) | Useful for stabilizing an injury like a twisted ankle, which the Park Service says should be stabilized, elevated, and rested. |
| Protective Gear (nonlatex gloves, breathing barrier) | Helps the person giving care avoid contact with bodily fluids while assisting an injured person. |
| Tools and Information (tweezers, thermometer, first aid instructions) | Tweezers can remove splinters or ticks; a thermometer helps assess a person’s condition; instructions guide care when help is far away. |
What to Do if Someone Is Injured
The National Park Service outlines basic steps to follow if someone gets injured during a camping trip. First, provide a safe and comfortable place for the injured person to sit or lie down. Next, assess the nature of the injury and the level of medical care needed, then decide if you should call 911.
When calling 911, the Park Service says to have key information ready: your current location, the type and extent of the injury, and any medical conditions the injured person may have. After that, follow all directions provided by the 911 operator.
For specific situations, the Park Service offers additional guidance. If the injury consists of minor scrapes and abrasions, use your first-aid kit and treat the wound immediately to avoid infection so that it heals properly. If someone twisted an ankle, try to stabilize the foot, elevate it, and allow the person to take a rest. If the person is unable to walk, enlist help from other participants or wait for 911 or park ranger assistance. If their range of motion is limited but functional, assist the injured person back to camp. The Park Service also notes that if you cannot call 911, you should flag down hikers and ask them to alert park rangers, or send people back to the ranger station using the buddy system.
Preventing Heat and Cold Illnesses
Prevention starts with recognizing the signs that your body is under stress from temperature. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides clear lists of symptoms to watch for in both hot and cold conditions.
Recognizing Heat Illness
According to the CDC, if your body gets too hot, you can get sick. Symptoms of overheating can include muscle cramping, unusually heavy sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, weakness, and nausea. The CDC advises that if you are outside for a long time, you should stay in the shade as much as possible, take breaks when you can, and do outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day or evening if possible. Staying hydrated is also key. The CDC recommends carrying a water bottle, drinking and refilling it throughout the day, and checking your urine color: when it is light yellow or clear, it usually means you are drinking enough water.
Recognizing Hypothermia
The CDC explains that hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, can happen when a person is exposed to very cold temperatures for a long period of time. It can even occur at cool temperatures above 40°F if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water. Warning signs in adults include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. The CDC states that hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you notice any of the signs and a person’s temperature is below 95°F, get medical attention immediately. While waiting for help, get the person into a warm room or shelter, remove any wet clothing, and warm the center of their body using dry layers of blankets or clothing.
Tick and Mosquito Bite Prevention
Protecting yourself from insect and tick bites is an important part of camping first aid preparation. The CDC offers detailed steps for both.
Preventing Tick Bites
The CDC states that reducing exposure to ticks is the main defense against tickborne diseases, and that ticks are most active during warmer months. Before you go outdoors, the CDC recommends treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, and using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. Once you return indoors, the CDC advises checking your clothing for ticks, examining gear and pets, and showering soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease. You should also conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, using a mirror to view all parts of your body.
Preventing Mosquito Bites
The CDC recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. When using repellent on a child, the CDC says to always follow label instructions, not to use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old, and not to apply repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin. The CDC also suggests wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and wearing clothing and gear treated with permethrin. Permethrin-treated clothing provides protection after multiple washings, but the CDC warns not to use permethrin products directly on skin.
Know Where Help Is and Plan Ahead
Part of first aid preparation is knowing how to get more advanced help. The National Park Service advises campers to develop an emergency plan before a trip. This includes asking a friend or family member not going on the trip to be an emergency contact and leaving your travel itinerary with them. Your itinerary should include the park’s emergency phone number to call if you do not return on schedule. The Park Service also emphasizes that if group members are lost, you should call 911 immediately and tell the operator when and where they were last seen, what they were wearing and carrying, and any medical conditions they may have.
Rules and available resources vary by park and campground. The National Park Service recommends visiting the specific park’s website to learn more about the park and make a plan for your activity before you head out. You can also ask rangers or campground hosts about local emergency procedures, the location of the nearest ranger station, and any specific hazards to be aware of. For more foundational safety information, read our guide to camping safety basics and explore the broader camping safety section.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I cannot call 911 from a campsite?
The National Park Service advises that if you cannot call 911, you should flag down hikers and ask them to alert park rangers. If hikers are not nearby, split up using a buddy system and send some people back to the ranger station for help.
How do I check for ticks after camping?
According to the CDC, you should conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. The CDC also recommends showering within two hours of coming indoors, as this may help wash off unattached ticks and is a good opportunity to do a tick check.
Can I rely on a pre-made first aid kit, or do I need to add anything?
The National Park Service recommends starting with a pre-made kit and modifying it to fit your trip and your medical needs. The American Red Cross also states that you should include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest.
For more detailed checklists and planning advice, visit our first aid preparation page.
