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As an Eagle Scout, former Junior Assistant Scoutmaster and camp staff employee, some of my fondest memories were the outdoor adventures we had as a young man. But I also learned that ANYTHING can happen in the outdoors. The Scout motto (Be Prepared) is very good advice. And I'm here to tell you: if you go outdoors, you need to take along a good camping first aid kit. I know your first reaction: Grab the first aid kit you have at home. But that won't do. Why? Well, when is the last time you saw a home first aid kit with splints for broken bones, or suction cups and a surgical knife for treating snakebite? The simple fact: you need a good camping first aid kit, not a regular home first aid kit, because you need the special supplies that come in an outdoor or camping first aid kit. Which reminds me: if you have a youngster in the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, one of the very best gifts that you can give them is a good quality camping first aid kit. The same holds true for someone who is in wilderness or survival training. It is very true - not marketing hype - that these kits have been known to save lives. Your first priority? Make sure that your camping first aid kit is well-stocked. After all, if it is going to be of any real use it should have more than just burn cream and band-aids! Your kit should be stocked with a variety of bandages, adhesive tape, finger and leg splints, ace bandages, tweezers, scissors, snake bite kit, gloves -- and a comprehensive first aid guide. The first aid guide, by the way is critical. It contains vital information on the proper treatment for wounds, handling poisoning cases, burns, animal bites, broken bones, drowning, treatment of the unconscious - many topics. If the guide supplied in your kit is not very good, buy a separate guide and keep it with your kit. Here's a tip from the experts: Go out and buy one of those sturdy metal fishing tackle boxes - you know, the ones with the drawers on each side that fold out when the case is opened. You can stock it with everything you will need - and they make a great gift as a Scout troop camping first aid kit, or for use by an entire family. Some other items to consider for your camping first aid kit: How about some pain and fever reducers (like aspirin or Tylenol)? A pre-paid cellular phone is also handy to have at times, in order to contact medical authorities or emergency assistance. Water purification tablets, emergency matches (in a waterproof case), thermal blanket and handheld GPS device can also be added to round out your kit. On a final note: Once you have put your kit all together with the supplies you need, don't forget to inspect the contents at least once or twice a year. You should remove any medicines if they are past their expiration date, as well as any supplies that have been opened or damaged, as that will compromise their sterility. If you use anything from your camping first aid kit, make sure to replace it. If you don't you may need it later during a medical emergency.
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Author: Gary Colvin writes about camping, the outdoors and Coleman Camping Stoves Learn more aboutFolding Camping Trailers by stopping by his website. Click here to get your own unique version of this article.
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