A basic understanding of RV travel safety and how to prepare for medical emergencies on the road ensures you know what to do should you face the unexpected. Medical emergencies will happen as you travel. Some may be minor (like a child’s cut finger), but expecting the unexpected is always smart. Whether traveling alone or with others, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of being prepared.

You’ll be able to care for yourself and your family without relying on the RV park host in an emergency—that’s not their job, after all. Woodland Creek RV Park in Tyler, Texas, is a great example of choosing the right location to prepare for whatever comes your way. With easy access to medical services, staying at an RV park like this is a wise choice.

Must-Have Items for Your RV Travel Safety First-Aid Kit

Still trying to figure out where to begin? Here are some suggestions to get you started.

First, make sure you have a complete and up-to-date first aid kit. That means it’s fresh and that you haven’t taken the scissors out to cut paper for a birthday present. Also, you didn’t use all the Benadryl and aspirin the last time allergies attacked, did you? Make sure the bandages haven’t dry-rotted. You can buy first aid kits from the American Red Cross or go to websites like Outdoorsy and build your own. 

What goes into your first-aid kit? Whether you purchase a ready-made kit or make your own, here are your go-to items:

• Adhesive Bandages (various sizes)
• Sterile Gauze Pads and Medical Tape
• Antiseptic Wipes and Solution
• Creams and Ointments 
• Tweezers 
• Scissors
• Pain Relievers
• Thermometer 
• Instant Cold Packs 
• Elastic Bandages
• Burn Cream or Gel 
• Medical Gloves
• CPR Mask 
• Emergency Blanket
• Eye Wash or Saline Solution
• Alcohol Pads 
• Prescription Medications – a backup supply of any necessary personal medications.

Pack the first aid kit where you can easily access it. You don’t want to move everything off the bed to get underneath it. Digging through deflated swimming pool toys while a child is bleeding is the last thing you need!

Preparing for Medical Emergencies on the Road Depends on Your Travelers

Don’t even think of starting the engine until you complete an assessment of your travelers. Consider the following:

• Age of travelers. Are you traveling with children? Senior Citizens? No matter the age, allergies and colds and stomach bugs happen. Traveling to new places exposes your family to all kinds of new germs. Accidents happen, too. A hint: take some favorite comfort foods for days when family members feel rotten. Chicken noodle soup, soda crackers, ginger ale. Whatever your go-to feel-better home remedy happens to be, pack it!
• Health challenges.  
  • If you’re battling a chronic disease, carry a hard copy of your medical records.
  • Know the route where you’re staying, and do your research. Where is the closest hospital? (Check your GPS and/or ask the RV park where you’re visiting. Many parks have maps of the area.)  

If you have medical supplies, make sure they are readily available and you know how to use them. Make everyone aware of medical needs. What if you’re traveling solo? It is a good idea to keep a list of your medications and allergies with you.

• Check your medical insurance plan to ensure you’re covered in the area where you plan to travel. If necessary, transfer your prescriptions to a national chain so you can fill them wherever you go.
• Chronic diseases. We’re talking about everything from Type 1 and 2 diabetes to lupus to high blood pressure. As you plan, identify each location and the medical help available in the area. 
• Remember that your home doctor may be available via telehealth. Establishing the telehealth system is one of the pandemic’s few benefits.    
• Pack medical records for everyone and prescriptions for medications.
• Mobility challenges. Does someone in your party use a wheelchair? Is your motorhome equipped with ramps, open areas, and hand controls? 

How to Prepare for Medical Emergencies on the Road

Planning for medical emergencies on an RV trip can be divided into three parts:

• A life-threatening accident or crisis.
  • Does your cell phone work? Is there cell service where you’re staying?
• Accidents, especially concerning children. You’re traveling in your house, driving highways and back roads. Along the way, you’re setting up with slides and jacks, changing tires, and building campfires. Everything in your cabinets will want to fall out on the floor. You’ll be using knives and screwdrivers for all the wrong things. And children – what can’t they cut or break? Get ready.
• Illness. We never want to think about it, especially on vacation, but it happens. When we say “routine” illness, we mean those awful days and nights with the stomach bug, colds, or even run-ins with COVID. It’s the kind of sickness you know will pass with care and time, even though you feel like death warmed over. The largest recreational vehicles (RVs – even those multi-million dollar motorhomes) still have less than 400 square feet of space. When you’re on the road and someone gets sick, that space can feel even smaller. It’s almost impossible to avoid spreading illness in such a closed area. Some ideas for family “survival”:
  • Include a thermometer in your first aid kit, remembering that you may need a particular type for children. Fevers can suggest a worse illness.
  • Masks! Pack extra filters or take single-use masks.
  • RV parks usually have a list of local doctors, urgent care offices and emergency clinics.  
  • If possible, isolate the sick. This might be a good time for the rest of the family to stay outdoors or in the lounge area of the RV park’s building. 

RV Travel Safety: Preparing for Medical Emergencies on the Road While Exploring

Exploring the country in your RV is often called “adventure travel.” Sometimes, you get more adventure than you planned – sprains, cuts, falls, and broken bones happen, and never in the most convenient places. What about emergency surgery?   

• Where are you?  If you must call 911, can you give an address? Can you describe your location well enough for an ambulance to find you? Keep the paperwork given to you at check-in so you can call for help.
• Because you’ll be in close contact with nature, keep Benadryl handy for allergy attacks and bee stings. If you know a family member has a bad allergy, know exactly where the Epi-pen is and how to use it.
• Do you know your options for managing a broken leg or other injury that affects movement? Now what? You may need to move from your RV to a motel. Make sure you have the funds available.

First Aid Classes: Your Best Prep for Medical Emergencies

When considering RV travel safety and how to prepare for medical emergencies on the road, please take a first aid class! In fact, make this the first thing you do when preparing for emergencies on the road. This includes a course in CPR, because you just never know. 

Moreover, there are many sources for training, both in-person and online, some of which are free. Even if you’re short on time or money, some training is far better than none.

Traveling in your RV is a fantastic way to see the country. However, you may be far from emergency services and must rely on your readiness. Don’t put yourself and your family at risk. 

A final thought: more than one person should be able to drive. Almost all RVs are larger than the usual cars or trucks. Learning how to turn and back up requires practice. If the primary driver becomes sick or injured, you’re stuck unless someone else can drive. Finding a stranger to move your rig is hard, expensive, and uncertain. If something happens to the main driver, who will drive your RV to the emergency room? Think about this before you take off on your road trip.

 Preparing for Emergencies on the Road: Your Adventure Begins with Travel Safety 

Knowing RV travel safety and preparing for medical emergencies includes finding a family-friendly RV park. Places like Woodland Creek RV Park, located near medical facilities, are ideal for travelers with families or those going solo. You’ll also have access to top-notch medical care and grocery and drug stores for essential supplies.

Who knows what adventures you’ll encounter on the road or what challenges await? One thing is certain: it will be a lot more enjoyable if you’re well-prepared. Woodland Creek is here to ensure you have the best RV experience possible. Give us a call today to book your spot. Ready? Let’s go!