First aid and means of survival can keep you and others alive and well. (Shutterstock photo)
April 01, 2025
By Mark Kayser
Family Camping First Aid and Survival Few memories rank higher than those of summer family camping trips. Our family camped rustically, using our horse trailer as a mess hall (once the horses were unloaded) with bunks in the tack compartment. My independent son always staked a tent nearby. Even without a traditional camp, the memories are vast and still vivid.
Although our camp did not sport a flashy RV, it did include two important elements: first aid and the means to survive while on extended horseback and hiking trips into the Wyoming backcountry. My son’s Boy Scout journey towards an Eagle Scout designation and my experience as a Montana licensed guide ensured all safety bases were covered. Here’s how to ensure your family also stays safe this summer.
A well-stocked first aid kit includes enough bandages and gauze for the entire group. (Mark Kayser photo) STOP THE BLEEDING Kids plus camping equals a high likelihood of at least a scrape, bruise, bug bite or even a campfire burn while roasting marshmallows for s’mores. Be prepared for big and small injuries alike. First and foremost, use prevention, including sunscreen and insect repellent, plus common sense. Assess every activity to foresee all possible injury potential.
Next, have a first aid kit sized to fit your family and activity level. A compact kit may be needed for hiking while a larger kit stays back at camp with a more complete inventory of medical products. All kits should include a variety of adhesive bandages, liquid bandage and gauze, plus medical tape. Antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, burn gel and hydrocortisone cream can be used to clean wounds and provide temporary relief. Pain reliever (for both adults and children) and antihistamines alleviate many pains and allergic reactions. I even add war-proven QuikClot hemostatic devices to my kit for severe blood loss.
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Be ready to treat a wide variety of injuries, both large and small. (Mark Kayser photo) Tweezers, scissors, a tourniquet (or 2) and nitrile gloves all can come in handy. Finally, an elastic wrap bandage teamed with a splint could help with a fracture. Customize your kit for the activities you plan and do not be afraid to add or subtract throughout the trip.
SURVIVE THE NIGHT As campers, you probably have the whole “living without” concept managed. Your tent, food supplies, campfire and first aid handle the basics of staying alive. But what if you go on a day hike and get lost and need to spend the night? What if a storm destroys your camp and you need to spend a day waiting for roads to clear? Be prepared for the worst with a survival kit to handle the basics and maybe more.
Make sure your first aid kit is sized to your family and activity level. (Shutterstock photo) Survival experts use the “rule of three:” 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food all could lead to death.
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Start with shelter. A compact tarp easily provides protection from the elements as does a space blanket. Raingear adds another layer, especially if inclement weather is expected, and it traps heat so wear it when cold. Compact emergency sleeping bags are inexpensive yet effective alternatives. Buy one for everyone on the trip. Those offered by brands like Delmera, Life Bivy and others provide lightweight shelter (less than 5 ounces) that retain 90 percent of your body heat to get you through a long night in the woods.
Also carry fire-starting materials to make that stay even warmer. Windproof matches in a waterproof container, magnesium rods for a backup spark and highly flammable tinder, such as petroleum jelly-soaked cotton balls stored in waterproof bags, ignite a fire quickly.
Compact emergency sleeping bags are inexpensive yet effective alternatives. (Mark Kayser photo) Water is your next priority. An extra 2 liters of water per person stored at camp is good, but have a quality water filter on hand or at least some water purification drops or tablets to purify water without filtration. A LifeStraw allows you to filter and drink simultaneously, but would be cumbersome for an entire family. Still, add one to everybody’s pack just in case.
Regarding food, you can last for weeks without it, but why? Everyone should carry several energy bars for a quick recharge throughout the day. On extended hikes, adults can carry a portable stove, such as a Jetboil, and pack enough dehydrated meals for everyone to have at least 2,000 calories for the day. Keep another stash of dehydrated meals at your base camp for emergency meals or an easy way to serve dinner after an exhausting hike. Who doesn’t like rehydrated beef stroganoff?
Having a means to obtain clean drinking water is a must in any outdoor adventure. (Mark Kayser photo) As a final consideration, carry an extra power source for your smartphone. Also consider a solar charging system to recharge your phone and backup battery pack. Your phone serves as a navigation tool, plus communication to reach out to rescuers in case of a true emergency. You may also want to invest in a satellite communication system ,such as the affordable Garmin inReach Mini 2. Round out your camping kit with a multitool and a flashlight with extra batteries.
Mishaps occur all the time while camping, and the items discussed above could make a bad situation seem not so bad at all. In closing, don’t wait too long to reach out for help. Search and rescue is free in most places, but even where it’s not, cost should not be a consideration when it comes to emergency care for a loved one.
