Inside: What To Pack in Your Family’s First Aid Kit This Summer. Collaborative post.
Summer is a magical time filled with adventure and excitement, often accompanied by minor injuries, such as scrapes, bruises, broken bones and rashes.
Although you may feel prepared for the season, having purchased your vitamins and infant vitamins for immune system for your little ones, you should also prepare a first aid kit to get you through those long, hot days.
Why Do You Need a First Aid Kit?
Accidents and injuries do not occur on a set schedule. They often take you by surprise and leave you wondering what to do next. However, having a first aid kit on hand can help you address many minor injuries. An established kit that is close at hand can help you treat your family’s injuries quickly and efficiently.
You also won’t have to search the house or run to the store to pick up bandages, creams and other necessities. When you can clean out and dress a wound quickly, even if you ultimately need medical attention, you reduce the risk of infection and other complications.
You can stop blood loss, treat burns and reduce skin irritation and discomfort quickly.
Essentials For Your First Aid Kit
It is always easier to build upon a first aid kit, so start with a kit that is already made. These kits have basic essentials for general first aid. They include adhesive tape, a variety of bandages, an elastic wrap, disposable non-latex gloves, tweezers, a thermometer, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic cream and general pain relievers.
Add surgical masks, hydrogen peroxide, cotton balls, plastic bags, safety pins, scissors and hand sanitizer. You may also need an eyewash solution, such as saline solution.
From the Pharmacy
Your family’s first aid kit should also include several items from your local pharmacy. In addition to children’s gummy vitamins, you should have laxatives and anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, antihistamine, cold medicine and epinephrine. Don’t forget your personal medications.
Also, consider adding several creams and gels, such as calamine lotion, petroleum jelly, aloe vera gel, numbing spray and hydrocortisone cream.
Summer-Specific Additions
Overheating is common in the summer months, so don’t forget to include instant cold packs, water, sunscreen, umbrellas and a clean towel. Also, consider rehydration salts in the case of dehydration.
If your family is active, remember to include cooling gels, sprays or packets that can be used to cool down muscles or relieve muscle pain or strain. Tea tree oil, insect repellant, and ear drops are also useful.
Miscellaneous Considerations
Find a comprehensive first aid manual that covers any injuries you may encounter. Don’t forget your emergency contact information, medical history notes and medical consent forms for each member of your family.
You may also add duct tape, flashlights, matches and a solar charger for your cell phone. Include a satellite phone if you will be in the wilderness.
Your waterproof case should also have extra feminine hygiene supplies and a clean towel. If you are away from home, you may carry a bag that has an extra set of clothes for your family as well.
Keep your family safe this summer by taking a first aid class and building a first aid kit that has the supplies necessary to treat any minor infraction, but don’t forget your adult, child and infant vitamins.