Rather Safe Than Sorry

First Aid Kit.

- Lara Meter

Whether you are caravanning, camping, or tackling a 4x4 trial, there is one thing you have to have with you… and no, we’re not talking about the braai grid.

What we are referring to is something that many people often forget, and only realise that they need when it’s too late. The item that we are talking about is a first aid kit.

Whether you are at home or on the move, a small injury can sometimes have very serious consequences. And, whether it’s the scraped knee of one of the kids who has fallen while riding a bicycle in the resort, or something more serious while you are out hiking, it is best always to be prepared.

Some emergencies require medical attention, but for the less severe injuries, immediate first-aid treatment minimises the immediate danger.

A few minutes spent taking care of an injury with the contents of a first-aid kit can save you a trip to the emergency room.

So, make sure that you have everything you need in case that accident happens while you are camping or driving across country, or a natural disaster hits.

THE BASIC FIRST AID KIT

- Bandages (assorted sizes)

- Closure strips: For use as temporary wound-stitching until you see a professional

- Sterile dressing pads: To apply pressure to open wounds and to stop bleeding

- Non-adherent sterile dressing: To cover blisters, burns or lacerations

- Gauze rolls: To hold dressings in place and to absorb any excess blood

- Adhesive tape: To tape dressings in place

- Small utility toolkit: Make sure that it includes a knife, scissors and tweezers

- Safety pins: These can help remove splinters, fasten arm slings, etc.

- Antiseptic ointment: To help clean wounds and keep them from becoming infected