First-aid tips for your next camping trip

It’s easy to see how it happens. Holidays are when you try new things, visit new places, and are a little more inclined to have ‘just one more’ with the neighbours.

Whether it’s scrapes or sprains, bites or burns; they don’t have to ruin your holiday plans. Being prepared for some of the more common camping mishaps can help reduce their impact.
Here are our three steps to being first-aid ready on your next camping trip.

Step 1: Have a first aid kit

Whether you buy one ready-made or create your own, a first aid kit is essential. We suggest having one that stays in your car so it’s available all-year-round (and you’ll never forget to pack it!). And if you have one already, remember to keep it well stocked and replace any out-of-date items.

Step 2: Know how to use it

It’s no good having a first aid kit if you don’t know how or when to use it. And whilst it’s hard to prepare for every circumstance, understanding the basics can go a long way to helping someone who’s in a bit of a jam.

Among the most common camping injuries in Australia are bites and stings, burns (including sunburn), wounds and cuts and sprained ankles or wrists.

Knowing how to dress a wound, treat a burn or bandage a twisted ankle means your loved ones can feel better, sooner. And for some misfortunes like a snake bite, you might even save their life.

So brush up on the basics with some first aid training.

A quick Google-search will reveal the first aid training options near you. St John, for example, offers a range of courses, both online and in person throughout Australia.

You’ll feel pretty chuffed when you get your certificate. Bonus: it’ll look good on the CV too.

Step 3: Put it into practice

Hopefully you’ll never need this step. But whether it’s a life-threatening situation or a minor accident, you’ll now have the equipment and skills to provide a first-aid response in a range of situations.

And if an incident occurs at a Reflections Holiday Park, check in with your friendly Park Managers. They can provide extra help and guide you to local medical services if needed.

So follow these steps to first-aid readiness; then relax and enjoy your holiday. We have some more handy safety tips for your next holiday here.