First Aid Kit Essentials

Nice weather (like we’ve been having recently) often means an influx of children and teens in local emergency rooms and urgent care centers. Be ready for anything with this Essential First Aid Kit shopping list!

  1. Premade first aid kit: On top of having the basics, it normally comes with some sort of bag or box to store everything you’ll need!
  2. Water bottle: Keep a fresh water bottle in your first aid kit for cleaning out scrapes and wounds.
  3. Benadryl: Benadryl is essential for dealing with rashes, bug bites, and allergic reactions.
  4. Epi-Pen: If a member of your family suffers from anaphylaxis reactions, it is imperative that you be prepared with their emergency Epi-Pen at all times!
  5. Wound Numbing Spray: This can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy, and is great to keep around for scrapes, cuts, as well as bug bites or stings.
  6. Any Prescription Medication: If anyone in your family requires prescription medication, be sure to always have extra on hand.
  7. Ibuprofen and Tylenol: These two standard OTC pain medications and anti-inflammatories should be a staple in any first aid kit.
  8. Dramamine/Nausea Medication: This easy fix for motion sickness and vomiting is a life saver with children around!
  9. Sunblock: Even on an overcast day, sunblock is a must have! Carry extra in your first aid kit, just in case you forgot to lather it on before you left the house!
  10. Bug Spray: Bug bites often turn into “boo-boos” with young children; packing bug spray can help prevent those future bumps and scabs.
  11. Afrin Nose Spray: Though not recommended for nasal congestion in children, Afrin nose spray helps to constrict the capillaries in the nose and sinus, and can reduce the length and severity of a nose bleed.
  12. Hydrocortisone ointment: Inexpensive, and easily found at any pharmacy, this ointment is great for whatever itches!
  13. Wet Wipes: Even if you do not have a baby in diapers, wet wipes/baby wipes have tons of uses, and are great to keep on hand.
  14. ChapStick: Dry summer heat and sun can put lips at risk for chapping and cracking; pack some ChapStick to keep lips nice and moist.
  15. Feminine Hygiene Products: Besides their original intended use, tampons and pads are great for wounds and bleeding.
  16. Pre-made Finger Splint: Jammed, sprained, and broken fingers are common for children; pack a premade finger splint to stabilize the injury until you are able to see a doctor.
  17. Alcohol Wipes: Alcohol is great for sterilizing and cleaning wounds, and should be kept in every first aid kit.
  18. Ace Bandage: Great for stabilizing injuries, ace bandages are also very useful in holding bandages in place.
  19. Small Sharp Scissors: These will come in handy if you need to cut tape, gauze, or anything else!
  20. Tweezers and a Magnifying Glass: These two items are essential for splinter, stinger, or glass removal.

 

Every parent or caretaker should be equipped with a thorough first aid kit when leaving the home with children. Emergencies happen, and the best way to handle them is to be prepared!