First Aid Kit

So, have a FIRST AID KIT handy!

You name it...They get scrapes and cuts, fall down, bump into things, get bitten by bugs....so be prepared!

You can purchase one of these from local discount or grocery stores, the American Red Cross, or AAA

However, you can MAKE one yourself cheaper using discount store items and generic brands:

-- Some people have a HOME kit you can grab and go
-- Some have 2 first aid kits:

1. HOME kit (more extensive, larger)
2. TRAVEL kit (smaller) to use in a van or car, RV, boat,...

• Have the First Aid Kit CLEARLY marked.
• Use a clear plastic container with lid. Helps if has a handle of some sort so can grab it quickly. You could use shoe boxes with a lid or other containers, but they wouldn't be waterproof.
• Store it away from small children but easily accessible.
• When you buy medicines on certain items, be sure to check expiration dates.

-- IMPORTANT: Include a CONTACT Card with 911 and doctors names and numbers and local hospital and contact numbers of family, friends.

-- ANY DRUG ALLERGIES? If any allergies to medicines be sure to list that somewhere or medicines they are on for EMT personnel. ("SafetyTat" stick-on tattoos can be worn by kids or adults as well when traveling - a great product.)

bandaids all sizes	sterile gauze squares
adhesive tape	bandage rolls
safety pins	Ace bandage and clips to hold it
cotton swabs or balls	bandage rolls
Children's or Infant's Tylenol (acetaminophen)	small scissors
tweezers to remove splinters	pack of needles
small ice packs and cloth to cover it so does not touch bare skin	digital or plain thermometer
pad and pencil	antibacterial soap
antibacterial handwash	antiseptic ointment
anti-itch ointment for insect bites/rashes	hydrogen peroxide (3%) to cleanse cuts
Benadryl for allergic reactions	lip balm
baby nail clipper	saline nose spray
baby suction syringe	medicine dispenser or eyedropper
diaper rash ointment	moisturizer
small flashlight	petroleum jelly
small paper or plastic cups	sanitary pad for heavy bleeding
a few tongue depressors or popsicle sticks for splinting	safety pins
Pedialyte or similar for electrolyte replacement if get diarrhea or fever	syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting (ONLY after directions from Poison Control Center or a doctor). Have the Poison Center phone number available!

Also a basic first-aid HANDBOOK in the house that’s easy to read with pictures is helpful to have. Practice with your family what you’d do. Take first-aid courses together if they are old enough, especially CPR! Good idea to have such a handbook in the first aid kit as well.

** SNAKE BITE First Aid: Snake bites are pretty rare, but just in case, I've listed some basic snake bite first aid tips at the bottom of my page about 'red' snakes. If you'll be hiking or in a possible snake-bite area, be sure to include remedies in your car or backpack first aid kit!

** IF YOU HAVE ALLERGIC REACTIONS: be sure to carry an insect sting kit and/ or epi-pen (see your doctor for prescription) Temporary tattoos stating 'allergies' or other 'medical conditions' or who to contact 'in an emergency' are also a GREAT IDEA! They're easy to put on and take off, with preprinted or do-it-yourself contact information. Developed by a mom and are highly recommended by top parents magazines and websites (See SafetyTat online).

** CLEAN OUT YOUR MEDICINE CABINET: Prevent any drug overdoses, accidental poisonings by removing partially used and expired medications in your household medicine cabinets! Leaving expired or partially used medicines around the house can pose a poison risk to children and teens. The curiosity of young children especially might lead them to get into medicine that might look like candy. Teens also are at risk when they find prescription pain medications, sedatives and cough or cold medicines, sometimes leading to drug abuse.

Potentially harmful substances stored in your medicine cabinets can include:

• Pain relievers
• Cough and cold medicines
• Cosmetic and personal care products
• Topical preparations like diaper ointments and creams, etc.
• Vitamins
• Antihistamines

-- My other "Child Safety Tips" pages to visit:
Statistics | Learn CPR | Amber Alert | Sex Offender Registry Guide
Preventing Sexual Abuse | Child Abduction Prevention | Online Safety Tips

Return to "Child Safety Tips" -- main page

Go to "Traveling Tips"

Go to "Car Games"

Leave "First Aid Kit" and go to "Home Page"