Our Thoughts on an RV First Aid Kit
Episode 52 in Joshua Tree National Park helped remind us the importance of a quality RV first aid kit. Although we had what we needed for my little bike injury, we were not equipped for much more.
The truth is…many RVers have an incomplete first aid kit or random supplies from the house.
Others might think to selves, “well… it’s not like I know how to use much more than some bandages”. Whereas in reality, it may not be you that’s using it. The chances of coming across an off-duty doctor, PA, EMT, fireman, or nurse are high. Often these type of professionals are attracted to the RV lifestyle. In the case of an emergency, these professionals should have the tools they need to help you or your family.
It’s important to mention that we do not own the first aid kit we’re recommending, but it’s in our Amazon cart right now. Episode 52 + walking into a picnic bench in Napa Valley helped us realize the need for a quality first aid kit. I read many reviews on Amazon many of the first aid kits had EMT’s commenting, “these supplies are toys and not first-responder qualified”. I didn’t want to be responsible for recommending anything sub-par. Yes, what I choose to purchase is expensive, but I think will offer good piece of mind and hope we never need to use it!
Chris B says
The key about any First Aid Kit is LEARN and KNOW how to use it.
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Brad Lowings says
Also… a good point would be having a paramedic or doctor help you pack your EMT bag. often the contents arrive in plastic and aren’t correctly packed. there is a method to packing your bag so that in an emergency, a doctor will be able to find items faster.
Anonymous says
Although I haven’t gotten to the episode you referenced the suggestion for everyone to have a quality first aid kit is great. As an EMT I know the importance first hand. While the large kit you linked has a lot that really wouldn’t be able to be used without a trained medical professional and some items are accessories for other equipment not included it does have a lot of great items inside. If I were personally making a recommendation it would be to buy items separately and place into a bag rather then a pre-made kit. This gives the option to really customized and maximize space rather then carry things that can not be used. A jump bag is a lot like an RV, space is a premium.
Jeff C. says
Getting a good Combat Life Saver kit from an Army Surplus store is the best way to build the perfect kit. Much of it might be out dated, but you replace expired “stuff” and then you know you will have a good, combat-tested, medical kit. Things not thought of but unfortunately needed often: Expandable splints for breaks, very nice bandages with integrated gauze (with long and usable wraps in vacuum sealed packages), scissors, needles, newer kits have blood clotting agents, trauma bandages for stomachs and/or pierced lungs, eye flush…on and on. I recently used a bandage from a military kit on my construction site when a laborer stuck his fingers in a running lawn mower (don’t ask why it was running…it will upset you)…but the compression bandage wrapped up tight…giving the patient comfort, keeping everything stable, and no blood running everywhere. The ER PA commented on the bandaging of the injury. It does make a difference and keeps people calm.
David Lindsry says
You are right! The first aid kit is your toolbox, but you need to know how to effectively use those tools. So, you also need a quality first aid/cpr course.
If you are ever coming through the Tulsa, OK area, let me know and I’ll put you (family) through a course (no charge) – and it will actually be fun! You’ll get a certification and the confidence that you can help someone.
I have learned a lot from the KYD YouTuber channel and would like to return the favor.
Chelle says
Looks like you went to antelope slot canyon?
Gorgeous pictures.
Lynn McIntyre says
Our son is a respiratory therapist and helped us put together a well rounded first aid kit and he explained how many of the items would / could be used. I must admit it is larger than what I prefer to have with us, but I will abide by his wishes, as he knows better than I do!! We also were able to create a smaller kit to leave in our backpack for hiking treks, ready to grab it and go.
~Lynn from Chandler, AZ.
Christine S. says
Thank you so much for making a proper first aid kit a part of your “must haves”! My husband chuckled at me when I showed him the list of “essentials” I made for our trailer’s maiden voyage, but as a paramedic, ya always prepare for the worst, and hope you have what you need! A friendly suggestion to add to your blog, check out the American Heart Association! They have classes for first aid and CPR. (Heck, you can even buy an AED to store on your trailer, if you want!) But, taking a class would not only show you how to take care of one another and other campers, but it is also something you could do as a family. : )
Thanks for creating this website and posting this plethora of information! It has been helpful!
-Christine
Long Island, New York
Carrie Swanson says
Hi Marc!
I know these can be expensive, but I would think you would want an AED in your rig. Tricia mentioned that she has a heart condition so she can’t go on roller coasters etc (I’m not sure if she was kidding or not) but when you are out in the back country, and AED can certainly save your life! They are very simple to use and the machine walks you through the entire process. I think they run about $1500 on Amazon.
Andrea Wenzel says
Hi Marc and Trish! Great advice! I’m a prepper by nature, so one of the first things I put into our rig when we bought it was a first aid kit and medications. We needed it on the way to Yellowstone. Our niece found out that she was allergic to cherries, and her lips ballooned up like crazy! Thankfully, we had benadryl! We also keep packets of Bleed Stop, an anti-choking device, and those one-time use ice packs. I’m planning before our next trip in April to build a better trauma kit as well. You never know!