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The essential items to pack for a camping trip depends on a number of factors, such as the number of people to be catered for, the type of terrain encountered, the climate you will be experiencing, and the distance and accessibility of medical help if an emergency arises.

As a minimum, regardless of those factors, I would suggest including the following items:

1. Bandaids, or similar minor wound/blister treatments.
2. An antiseptic cream or spray such as Betadine.
3. At least a couple of triangular bandages. (You can make these easily enough by cutting squares from torn up old sheets.)
4. Non-stick wound dressings of various sizes.
5. An assortment of crepe, conforming, and gauze bandages of assorted sizes.
6. Pain killers such as paracetamol.
6. Ampoules of saline solution for washing wounds.
7. Rubber gloves (to wear while administering first aid).
8. Hypoallergenic dressing tape.
9. Small scissors.
10. Thermometer.
11. Ventolin inhaler, if there are any asthmatics in the group.
12. Notebook and pencil for documenting treatments.
13. Sun cream or sun block.
14. Vaseline.
15. Sodium bicarbonate (bicarb soda), which is a useful bite or itch remedy when mixed to a paste with water.
16. Safety pins.
17. Tissues.
18. Sanitary pads.
19. Ruler, or similar wooden or plastic strip that can be used as a splint if needed.
20. A good first aid book.
21. A loud whistle and a a detailed map of the area.

I was a member of the St. John's Ambulance for some years, and have found that the recommendations above would be suitable as a minimum. In addition, take note of what kind of medications the persons in your party are taking, and make sure you have a back-up supply available for if someone needs it.

Learn more about this author, Lin Edwards.
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