PLAN FOR EMERGENCIES

May 2023

When camping, it is important to be prepared for most minor medical emergencies that may arise. A well-stocked first aid kit is an essential part of any camping trip. Even if you do not find yourself in a life-threatening situation, a first aid kit may still contribute to you having a safe camping trip.

Here is a list of essential items that you should consider when packing your first aid kit. The list is interactive so once you have packed an item you can tick the box. *Note that all tick boxes will clear once you refresh your browser.

CONTACT DETAILS

Emergency contact details should be part of your emergency kit. Some campsites provide a list of local emergency contact numbers. Enquire about these upon arrival at the campsite. Here are a few numbers we suggest you consider adding to your list:

• Family numbers
• Friend's numbers
• Local doctor's numbers
• Emergency services
• Hospitals
• Clinics

Make sure that these numbers are operational and that there is somebody on the other end of the line. All numbers should be written down and kept as part of the emergency kit. If you get injured and your phone is locked, other people should still be able to have access to these numbers.

GENERAL ITEMS

Depending on the location where you are camping it is advisable to take the following items along. These items are always part of my emergency kit. Items like tick repellant and sunscreen is a must if you are going to camp in the African bush.

• Mosquito repellant
• Sunscreen
• Tick repellant
• Eyedrops

MEDICATION

When it comes to medication, we should at least have the essentials covered. Consider taking the following items over and above your normal medication that you might be taking for daily use:

• Pain relievers
• Rehydration sachets
• Nausea treatment
• Stomach cramp and pain treatment
• Allergy medication, such as Antihistamines
• Antacids
• Cough and cold medication
• Diarrhea medication
• Sore-throat medication
• Malaria medication

If you are a regular camper, make sure that the medication and items that you keep in your medical kit have not expired and are still within the Use-by-Date.

BANDAGES AND DRESSING

Bandages and dressing should form part of any first aid kit. Having a plaster or bandage available for those small emergencies is always a good thing.

• Anti-septic like iodine
• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze rolls and pins
• Antiseptic wipes
• Triangular bandages
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Safety pins
• Disposable gloves

Things like tweezers may sound insignificant but in the thorny African bush they always come in handy.

OTHER ESSENTIALS

• Medical aid cards
• Medical insurance
• Flash light
• Emergency blanket

This is not a complete list and there may be many more items that can be included. But these are some of the things I always take along. Consider speaking to your local chemist or doctor for further advice on what you should be taking along on your camping trip.