Today we are going to make a first aid kit for camping in 4 simple steps. We will be using a special tool that is available to use for free which will allow you to make a custom first aid kit for any type of use. When finished, you be able to print a checklist, schedule a reminder to check your supplies, order specific supplies from the list or even order an entire kit.
Before we begin, we recommend that you Sign in or signup here at our website. When you do this, special Build-A-Kit features are unlocked, making this a very powerful tool. So, sign in and then go to the Build-A-Kit homepage and follow these fast and easy 4 steps.
1. Choose a container We have our container organized by type. Select a type and then a container. Details of each kit will be displayed so you can make the right choice.
2. Name Your Kit & Select Supplies After you select your container, name your first aid kit. The, below you will see a row of tabs identifying each of the different types of first aid supplies. One tab says "Bandages" and another tab "Gauze & Tapes". Go through each of the tabs, scrolling through them and click the "add to kit" link next to the quantity for each item you want to include in your camping first aid kit. By the way, as soon as you name your kit and begin to add items to your kit, your kit is automatically saved!
3. Print your checklist and/or schedule a reminder Once you have finished adding items, click the "See your kit contents here" link and your completed first aid kit will be displayed. Notice the capacity and order subtotal to the left of the picture of your container? You can add or remove items or quantities as needed to adjust your capacity. Looking to the right you will see the final steps section where you can print your checklist or even schedule a reminder. These details can be seen in the video above.
4. Order your supplies On the same page you can also "Order Now", which will take your entire kit and place it into the shopping cart. Before you do that, select if you want us to assemble the kit for you for a nominal fee. If you only want to order select items from your list, use the links to the right of the quantity that say "Add this item to cart". Do not click the "order now" button.
That's it! In a few minutes, all 4 steps are completed and you have created your own camping first aid kit. If you have questions or would like to contact us, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Youtube. We can also be reached at 800-221-9222 or by emailing us. We even have an online chat during normal business hours. Let us know what you think about Build-A-Kit! We hope you have a safe and enjoyable camping trip!
"..being safe and having fun are the ultimate goals."
Do: Get a lay of your surroundings. Knowing your area and its potential recreational areas as well as its potential hazards.
Don’t: Don’t forget to bring extra essentials. Having an extra jacket or warmer clothes can help if the weather changes quickly.
Do: Be safe. If something seems like a bad idea, for example unsafe water activities, try to avoid them. Help isn’t always close by. Having a good first aid kit can help.
Don’t: Don’t forget to rest. Camping can be fun, but it can also be taxing. Being in the elements and enjoying yourself can tire you out, know your limits and don’t exceed them. Try to stop and smell the roses.
Camping season is rapidly approaching, and whether it’s attending a camp or camping on your own, being safe and having fun are the ultimate goals. Having a plan, knowing what to bring, and being prepared for the unexpected can go a long way to helping in these pursuits. So as you head out into the wild think about what you are trying to get out of your camp experience and remember, be safe and have fun!
Limit exposure to pollen in and around your home
One of the biggest offenders of allergy sufferers is Pollen, mold or other allergens that we are exposed to when we walk outside. Did you know that some plants don't release pollen? If you have a garden, choose your plants wisely, selecting geraniums, daises or even irises. These plants don't have pollen. Grass is another tough one. Most of us have grass that needs to be cut. Pollen and mold are disturbed and thrown into the air when cutting the lawn so wear a mask or get someone else to cut the grass for you.
Finding the right time to be outside
It can make all the difference in the world. The time of day will determine how many allergens are in the air. Watch the allergy reports and you will see that pollen counts are lower in the morning and evening hours. It is no coincidence that the winds are lower during those times too. Windy days usually mean higher pollen counts. Days that are cool and rainy usually have lower counts. Not only is the time of day important, but know your seasons. For example, if you are allergic to cottonwood trees, you might want to avoid spending time outside during the 2 week period they shed their seeds. So, knowing what your allergic too can help you avoid going outside at certain times of the year.
Wearing the right clothes can protect and provide added relief
"Protecting your skin from exposure to allergens."
After you have been exposed
Dr. Hansa Bhargava recommends changing clothes and showering after you have been exposed to allergens. For example, ragweed pollen can attach to your clothes, hair or skin while outdoors. Coming inside might help but you are still potentially carrying the pollen with you. Getting out of those clothes and showering will remove the allergen from your skin and provide added relief. The sooner you do this, the quicker the relief will be.
When all else fails, taking an over the counter antihistamine allergy medicine. This medication will provide temporary relief from itchy, watery eyes. It can also help the runny nose and scratchy throat caused by drainage. If you know your are allergic, and plan to spend time being exposed to pollen or other allergens, you may want to consider taking the medicine before you go out. As always, consult with your physician before taking any medications.
Temperature ConcernsLeaving home and venturing into the great outdoors means no more temperature controlled shelter. The weather can influence your health. Physical exercise or simply being exposed to the elements can become dangerous if we are not prepared. Here are several Weather & Temperature concerns you should consider on your next outdoor hiking & exploring trek.
Hot Temperatures - Warm weather will cause us to sweat. This is a normal process our bodies use to help keep us cool. Be sure to stay hydrated and bring water and electrolyte replenishments. Be prepared to recognize symptoms of heat stroke and how to respond. Cold Temperatures - Hypothermia is life threatening. Be sure to bring extra clothes to layer as temperatures go up and down. If you get wet, those extra clothes you brought along will help keep you warm and dry. If temperatures go way down, you may need to seek shelter. Include an emergency type blanket in your first aid kit in case you need to warm your body. The foil type mylar blanket will help keep you warm.
Hot Temperatures - Warm weather will cause us to sweat. This is a normal process our bodies use to help keep us cool. Be sure to stay hydrated and bring water and electrolyte replenishments. Be prepared to recognize symptoms of heat stroke and how to respond.
Cold Temperatures - Hypothermia is life threatening. Be sure to bring extra clothes to layer as temperatures go up and down. If you get wet, those extra clothes you brought along will help keep you warm and dry. If temperatures go way down, you may need to seek shelter. Include an emergency type blanket in your first aid kit in case you need to warm your body. The foil type mylar blanket will help keep you warm.
Sun protectionEveryone knows how important it is to protect your skin from the damaging ultraviolet A & B rays from the sun.
Sunscreen - Proper sunscreen protection is critical to reduce your risk of radiation burns from the sun. Use sunscreen that is rated 15 or higher 20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Clothing - Dark clothing offers more protection for the covered skin. The tighter the weave, the more protection from the sun you will get.Eye Protection - Reflective light from the sun can have harmful effects on your skin and eyes. Wear UV rated sun wear for added protection. We wrote a great article that
Sunscreen - Proper sunscreen protection is critical to reduce your risk of radiation burns from the sun. Use sunscreen that is rated 15 or higher 20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Clothing - Dark clothing offers more protection for the covered skin. The tighter the weave, the more protection from the sun you will get.
Eye Protection - Reflective light from the sun can have harmful effects on your skin and eyes. Wear UV rated sun wear for added protection. We wrote a great article that
Injury Preparedness You don't have to be away from home to get hurt but when you do, a well equipped first aid kit is a must.
Bring a well equipped first aid kit - Our best outdoor hiking & exploring safety tip is to bring supplies appropriate to the types of injury risks. For example, if you are going backpacking, consider including Benadryl, sing relief wipes, bandages for cuts and scrapes, burn gel for campfire burns or bad sunburn and all of the other basic first aid supplies you would normally keep.Make your own first aid kit - There is an online tool that allows you to make your own custom kit. It is easy to use. Simply pick your container, select the supplies and they ship you what you ordered. You can even save your custom kit for fast and easy reordering when you need to update your first aid supplies! Take a look at "Make A First Aid Kit Here". Let others know where you will be - Be sure to have a way to communicate and call for help if necessary and always tell someone close to you where you will be adventuring so you can be located in case of an emergency.
Bring a well equipped first aid kit - Our best outdoor hiking & exploring safety tip is to bring supplies appropriate to the types of injury risks. For example, if you are going backpacking, consider including Benadryl, sing relief wipes, bandages for cuts and scrapes, burn gel for campfire burns or bad sunburn and all of the other basic first aid supplies you would normally keep.
Make your own first aid kit - There is an online tool that allows you to make your own custom kit. It is easy to use. Simply pick your container, select the supplies and they ship you what you ordered. You can even save your custom kit for fast and easy reordering when you need to update your first aid supplies! Take a look at "Make A First Aid Kit Here".
Let others know where you will be - Be sure to have a way to communicate and call for help if necessary and always tell someone close to you where you will be adventuring so you can be located in case of an emergency.
Survival Most won't be doing any extreme outdoor hiking & exploring but it is important to be prepared for an unexpected survival situation.
Basic survival supplies - Food, water, light, communication, shelter & warmth are all elements to consider when you might be stranded. There are basic survival kits prepared as grab and go or adventuring type kits. If for some reason you get stranded, these supplies could save your life. Consider your risks and plan appropriately.
Enjoy nature's beauty this summer as you have fun outdoor hiking & exploring. With a little preparation you can protect yourself for the unexpected.
Did you know that nearly half of all Americans participated in an outdoor activities every year? We love to be outdoors! Walking, boating, hiking, camping and other fun activities are a great way to experience nature and get some physical exercise but they can also create health concerns. This 2 part article will highlight 5 outdoor health & safety tips. Knowing what they are, how to treat them and even how we can prevent them will help us stay healthy and safe while enjoying our outdoor experience. Part 2 can be found here.
Dehydration - If we're outdoors we are usually active. When it's warm, our body experiences fluid loss. Dehydration occurs when water intake is not enough to replace free water lost due to normal activities.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehydration. The best way to combat dehydration is to drink plenty of fluids and take periodic rest breaks. Loss of water also means loss of critical minerals from your system including potassium and sodium. Common electrolyte replacement tablets and drinks help replace these lost minerals during heavy sweating. It's important to drink plenty of fluids before times of physical activity. Being hydrated before the physical activity begins can help prevent dehydration before it starts.
Heat Exhaustion - The mayo clinic defines heat exhaustion as “ a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating.” If you experience any of these symptoms, drink plenty of fluids, remove any unnecessary clothing, cool down using an ice pack or take a cold shower or bath. Just like dehydration, heat exhaustion can be prevented by drinking plenty of fluids before the activity begins. In addition to staying hydrated it is important to limit physical activity during the day when the temperature is at its hottest.
Heat Stroke - The oxford dictionary defines heat stroke as “a condition marked by fever and often by unconsciousness, caused by failure of the body's temperature-regulating mechanism when exposed to excessively high temperatures.” Heat stroke is the most severe of the three heat related illnesses. It is most likely to occur as a result of dehydration and heat exhaustion. If symptoms of heat stroke are present, it is best to seek medical help immediately. While waiting for help, go to a cool area and get fluids as soon as possible. Cold packs or cold compresses can help as well.
Heat related illnesses occur when someone spends too much time in the heat. It is very important to drink lots of fluids and to take frequent breaks to maintain a regulated body temperature.
Sun Poisoning - This is usually a burn from ultraviolet (UV) radiation that inflames your skin. In reality, it is is a severe case of sunburn. Similar treatments to that of a sunburn can be applied. Because sun poisoning is more severe, getting plenty of fluids along with taking a pain reliever may be in order. Much like a regular sunburn; the best prevention is to avoid the sun. When outside cover the skin as much as possible. On areas that remain exposed using a sun block to protect the skin is very important.