With outdoor 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.

You should include:

• A sling
• heavy crepe bandage
• Non-stick dressing
• Fabric band aids
• Salt sachets for leeches
• Antiseptic wipes

Those of you on regular medication should continue with those meds at camp. Keep medication in the original packaging which has your name and instructions and inform your leader prior to camp.

If you carry an Epipen then pack one in a protected cover in a pocket of your backpack and give the second Epipen to your group leader. Pack some antihistamine tablets in your kit. Nut-based products are not permitted on camp.

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

Report any illness or injury early so that you can get prompt treatment.

Hopefully all boots have been well worn in and are comfortable. Even so, blisters can be really annoying, so I think some moleskin or foam padding from Dr Scholl at the chemist works 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.

Keep your feet clean and dry and if you feel a sore spot starting, stop and treat it early. Foot powder can also help keep feet dry. Trim your nails before the camp.

Tummy upsets and dashes to a distant toilet (or bush) 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.

Keep well hydrated so refill your water bottle at every opportunity. 

Burns should be kept under cool running water for 20 minutes and then covered. If the burn is larger than 50 cents, is on the face, hands or groin, is white in colour then medical help is needed.

Don’t forget to pack insect repellent for mozzies, ticks and leeches such as the Bushman range or any which contain Deet. Apply sunscreen first and then repellent. Check your skin for ticks and ask your leader for advice. Check especially behind your ears and neck, armpits, back of the knees etc.

The weather looks promising so hope you enjoy the great outdoors!

Sister Margaret Bates
College Nurse