A very important item that should be in every RV and boat is a first aid kit. This is especially true if you are boondocking. Any outdoor activity such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, water skiing, camp fire building and other outdoor activities carry a risk of injury.
The first thing you should include in any kit is personal medication - that is any medication that has been prescribed for you that you need on a daily basis.
The rest of your kit should consist of the following:
Waterproof First Aid Kit Bag
There is absolutely no reason not to have a waterproof first aid kit bag to hold your first aid kit contents, especially if you’re keeping it in a boat. The items in your first aid kit should be kept clean and dry at all times - a damp first aid kit is almost like no first aid kit.
Flashlight
Chances are you'll be carrying a flashlight anyway, but should always carry one in your first aid kit. First aid is a lot harder to administer in the dark. Besides this, light is a great morale booster when an injured member of your party is immobile in the dark.
Whistle
Don't carry just one whistle - carry one for each member of your group in case you need to separate or are separated for any reason. It is not only required to signal for help but is just as important to signal to each other.
Scissors
Scissors have a variety of uses in many first aid scenarios from trimming bandages and gauze to removing clothing in an emergency. Try not to use these for general tasks and try to keep sterile if possible.
First Aid Tape
First aid tape has an unlimited number of uses, from a makeshift splint to taping on gauze. A roll should be found in every emergency first aid kit.
Antiseptic Cream
A minor cut or graze wouldn't normally cause a problem - until it gets infected and can ultimately lead to very serious complications. Application of an antiseptic cream to keep this from happening could be very important.
Anesthetic Spray
This may bring some welcome relief to common mishaps such as burns, stings, bites, cuts and grazes. Be sure to read the accompanying leaflet for details on the use of the spray.
Variety of Gauze
Knowing when to use gauze is easy when you know its purpose - to help stop bleeding. Gauze is made from porous fibers designed to absorb and trap the blood and thus help it clot. Do some research on when to and when not to use gauze.
Eye Wash
Deemed unnecessary by some , but we like to take an eye wash in our first aid kits so we know we have a convenient and sterile wash available should any of our party be involved in an eye related incident.
Burn Relief Ointment
Common minor burns happen frequently on camping trips, even to the most experienced of us. It can happen very easily but luckily can also be treated just as easily with the right gear.
Variety of Bandages
This includes a variety of sizes as well as shapes and types. Do your research on bandages - learn how and when to use them. Learn how to use one in a splint, how to make a sling, how to make a tourniquet etc. Knowing how to use each type will help you decide which type to stock your first aid kit up with.
Plasters / Band Aids
Use these to treat minor cuts and abrasions and help keep out infection. Remember to change the plasters regularly and to clean the wound before reapplying a new one.
Aspirin / Ibuprofen
Be very cautious before giving anyone painkillers such as Aspirin, or Ibuprofen. Always make sure the leaflet accompanying these drugs is kept in the first aid kit for reference. Always thoroughly read the leaflet and satisfy yourself it is safe to treat the patient with painkillers. If you are ever unsure, it is always safer not to do so.
Latex Gloves
These offer protection not just for the patient from infection but also for the giver of first aid. Always practice good hygiene procedures when treating a patient for both the health of the patient and yourself.
An EpiPen or Similar
An EpiPen must never be used without proper training or medical knowledge. Given the right circumstances and a competent first aider, an EpiPen can significantly increase the chances of survival of a patient in anaphylactic shock. Again thorough research is advised.
Tweezers
These are ideal for removing foreign bodies from cuts and abrasions. Bear in mind that multi tools such as a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman usually have tweezers built in - along with a host of other useful items.
A Fire Steel or Similar
Some people carry a lighter or matches, we prefer a fire steel as we know we can depend on it working when we need it. It can be used with any kind of tinder to make a fire, can be used wet and are virtually indestructible.
Water Purifying Tablets
Always keep water purifying tablets in your kit, whether you keep it in your survival kit or first aid kit. Even the most simple of incidents can become drastic and life threatening without water and for their size and weight there is no excuse to go anywhere without carrying some.
Space Blanket
This item is very useful for keeping a person warm by reflecting their own body heat. Space blankets are useful in a variety of scenarios.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream can be used on insect stings, nettle stings and the like. Using a cream such as this can help stop simple things like insect stings and bites from ruining a camping weekend.
Insect Repellent
Never underestimate the importance of an insect repellent. Why suffer with all those insect bites when you can apply some repellent and forget all about them.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are considered by many as optional unless of course you suffer badly from allergies. Again, these can help turn a miserable camping trip to a pleasant one with a tiny tablet.
Antacids
If you know you typically suffer from excess stomach acid, don't forget to pack a packet of these.
Another important thing to think about is, if you had put your first aid kit to use, would you know how to use each item contained inside? Is it time to enroll in a basic first aid course or take a refresher class? Even the most complete first aid kit will be useless if the knowledge required to give basic first aid is lacking.