With camps coming up I thought I would give some tips for camping and first aid. While first aid kits are at all bases it is a good idea to pack a small kit to carry with you with a sling, heavy crepe bandage, non-stick dressing and  wipes being the most useful.

Those of you on regular medication should continue with those meds at camp.

If you carry an epipen then pack it in a protected cover in a pocket of your backpack. Let your leader know where it is.

If you are asthmatic then please make sure to pack your reliever inhaler. Even if you haven’t used it in ages it is always important to carry one with you.

Hopefully all the boots have been worn in and are comfortable. Even so blisters can be so annoying so I think some moleskin or foam padding from Dr Scholl at the chemist work really well. They cost about $10 and can be cut to shape.

Vaseline is a staple. It’s cheap and is very useful on lips, blisters, dry hands or feet or chafed inner thighs.

Tummy upsets and dashes to a distant toilet in the middle of the night can hopefully be avoided by washing and drying hands well. Hand sanitizers are easy to carry and use but there is nothing like soap and water. Besides the obvious hand washing after the toilet—don’t forget to wash before you eat.

Keep well hydrated so don’t forget to refill your water bottle.

Pack a few energy bars for those long treks.

Insect repellent for mozzies, ticks and leeches such as the Bushman range or any which contain either Deet or Picaridin. Apply sunscreen first and then repellent.

Remember clip lock bags, a few safety pins, good quality fabric band aids, plastic gloves, salt sachets for leeches, hydralyte sachets for hydration, maybe some duct tape which has many uses and a pack of cards, always an essential for any camping trip.

Ms Margaret Bates
School Nurse
mbates@newington.nsw.edu.au