First aid kit essentials
Carrying a good first aid kit is important for RVers as well as outdoor and camping enthusiasts. While there are many pre-assembled kits available, making your own ensures you'll have everything you need in case of an injury or an emergency.
Camping Life magazine recently compiled a list of must-haves for first aid kits. Writer Rich Johnson says that you should think about what types of injuries you need to be prepared for before stocking up. The most common types of injuries include cuts, scrapes, burns, insect stings and bites, blisters, splinters, sprains, fractures and heart attacks.
Antibiotic creams like Neosporin can treat a range of injuries so it's a definite must-have. Also important are antibacterial wipes to clean cuts and scrapes before treating them and a variety of bandages for all sorts of problems, including different sized band-aids, roller bandages and triangular bandages.
Aspirin is important to keep on hand in case someone suffers a heart attack, since studies show it can boost survival. It serves a dual purpose in your kit as a good pain reliever as well.
Other important first aid kit additions include bug repellent and tweezers.
One of the most important things you need to have is a cell phone or another way of communicating when you need help. Other things that may not fit inside a traditional first aid kit include a blanket and a first aid manual.