As one camper to another, here’s hoping that your first aid kit will stay unused and unneeded throughout your camping trip. However, the opposing rules of the universe state, that should you forget something, then that is always going to be just the item you need. It is always a good idea to get together a camping first aid kit that allows for all eventualities.

The legal requirement for the provision of first aid at camp-sites is dependant on several factors so don’t assume that it will be available.

Insect repellent and insect bite/sting relief – in summer this is likely to be one of your main problems. If you are planning a camping trip to certain parts of Scotland, particularly the islands, then be armed and ready for the voracious Scottish midge. Insect repellent isn’t strictly speaking a first aid item but prevention is better than cure.

Hydro-cortisone cream will help with inflammation and an antihistamine cream will help with itching as will the good old fashioned calamine lotion. If you want to go for the natural remedy then use Manuka honey cream which will deal with inflammation and itching and is also useful for soothing sunburn.

Painkillers

Sterile wipes – camping means that you are going to get your hands dirty in more ways than one. A little bit of dirt never hurt anyone but you don’t want it in your cuts and scrapes so keep a few sterile/antibacterial wipes in your kit for using before you cover the wound with a plaster or bandage.

Plasters – a good assortment of different shapes and sizes.

Duct tape – yes, duct tape. An invaluable first aid kit addition and general camper’s buddy. Duct tape is waterproof so it can be used over the top of a normal plaster or with a piece of gauze or lint in place of a plaster. It can be used as a binding for sprains, a cushion for blisters and to make bandages stay put or waterproof. In case you are still not convinced, duct tape is a miracle and fail-proof cure for verrucas and warts; an odd but scientifically verifiable fact.

Tweezers – vital for thorn and splinter removal.

Scissors – this may be one of those rare occasions where doubling up on equipment is allowed. Chances are you will have a Swiss Army knife or other multi-purpose tool with you but keeping a small pair of scissors with the first aid kit means they are always at hand when needed.

Sun protection/ sunburn relief – many people don’t consider sun protection as first aid. It doesn’t matter how you classify it, just make sure you have got it and use it. Sunburn can ruin a trip and young children are particularly vulnerable. Sunburn isn’t the inevitable precursor to a tan; it is exactly what it says it is – a burn. Again, prevention is better than cure.

The pain of sunburn can be eased with hydro-cortisone cream (not recommended for under fives), calamine lotion and Manuka honey cream.

Diarrhoea relief – there is some scientific basis in the fact that ‘a change in water’ can affect digestion temporarily. It is sensible to have some anti-diarrhoea medicine on hand in case the symptoms are a little more severe.

Personal medication – apparently, according to studies, personal medication is one of the top ten most ‘forgot to pack’ items. Depending on what the medication is for this can have disastrous implications.

It is never a bad idea to do a little first aid cramming before you leave especially if there are children in your party. I have even known families who have turned this into a game involving the children and as a way to kill long hours travelling to a destination. Kids love the gross and the grizzly so even the most extreme first aid situations can be covered, especially if approached correctly. Making a quiz of what to do to treat a nose bleed, how to help some-one choking, what to do to staunch bleeding generally, how to treat a burn and so on will get it straight in your own head as well as teaching your children something that may prove a life-saver somewhere down the line.