Safety Tips for Camping; Packing a First Aid Kit

'Tis the season for camping, hiking and all things outdoors - but REMSA is urging everyone enjoying mother nature this summer, to head out with safety on their minds. 

Unfortunately, REMSA says many campers do not heed that advice, Adam Heinz, Director of Clinical Communications says, "People usually are under-prepared."

REMSA says everyone should always pack a first aid kit, ready to treat five common injuries. Heinz explains, "Cuts, scrapes, lacerations, minor burns, blisters, strains sprains and fractures, and heat stroke."

Your kit should include bandages, antibiotic ointments, emergency blankets, compass, a whistle, and tourniquets. You can even make your own with something as simple as a bandana and stick. 

Regardless, you'll still need to call 911 for anything requiring a tourniquet or for a head injury.  Prevent infection for cuts, scrapes, lacerations or bug bites by packing and using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. 

Planning and thinking ahead can help avert a crisis. For example, when choosing a camping site, Heinz says it's important to check your cell service because you don't want to wait until the middle of an emergency to realize you have no reception.

If there is limited or no service, at least determine the closest spot where you can get reception or call for help.  Heinz says, "[When picking a spot], take a look, is there a ranger station? What are the hours?"

Heinz also recommends downloading the Red Cross First Aid App. 

If you'd like to check out additional camping safety tips from REMSA, visit their site, here.