Build Your Essential Summer First Aid Kit

Keep your family safe this summer by having your own first aid kit handy

• Large, sturdy, water-tight container:

  • Depending on the number of people you need supplies for, in a pinch you can purchase premade first aid kits. These will only come with a limited supply of each item, so if you or a kiddo are prone to cuts and scrapes making a larger kit may be in your best interest.

• Wound Coverings:

  • Variety size box of Band-Aids, gauze, & tape. Once you have placed a bandage or material onto an open wound, you do not want to uncover and recover with that same bandage. This can increase the risk of infection.

  • Gauze should be individually wrapped to avoid cross contamination and maintain the sterility of the material.

• Water bottle:

  • The first thing to do with a fresh wound is to clean it. While it may be tempting to get some cooling relief in a nearby fresh water source, always used filtered or distilled water to wash away any debris. Natural springs or fresh water can contain microorganisms and other bacteria that can cause further escalation of the injury.

  • Always keep filtered water to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.

• Antibiotic Ointment/Anti-Bacterial Spray

  • After properly cleaning the wound apply the suggested amount of ointment before covering.

• Ointments, Tablets, & Cleaners

  • Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) pill or liquid form

    • Benadryl is an over-the-counter medication that is great to treat for insect bites, hives, and other allergic reactions. For any medication always have it in a secure container and away from reach of children.

  • Anti-itch (hydrocortisone)/Steroid Ointment

    • For milder reactions to insect bites

  • Numbing Spray & Aloe

    • For sun burns or minor cuts

• Epi-Pen:

  • If you or a family member have a history of severe allergic reactions, ask your doctor for a prescription. Always be sure to double check proper storage when packing this in your first aid kit.

• Prescription Medication:

  • Ask your doctor for an extra prescription for any medication that you use frequently, especially asthma or allergy related medications. Not all medications allow for extra dosages so this is subject to each individual and their needs.

  • When packing any pill or tablet form medications be sure to keep them in a secure container clearly labeled and out of reach of children.

• Preventatives:

  • Bug Spray

  • Sunblock (preferably water resistant SPF 30+)

  • Dramamine, perfect for those who get car sick easily

  • Chapstick, many neglect their lips when preparing for an outing, so having this on hand is great for chapped lips, sunburns, or other lip injuries.

  • Baby wipes

  • Clean towels

  • Feminine hygiene products

• Flashlight/Headlamp:

  • While most people have a flashlight on their phone, you always want to have a back up if it dies. Headlamps are great for getting a good look at tiny splinters or other hard to see areas.

• Other Items:

  • Premade finger splint

  • Large bandage wraps

    • Large wraps are good for minor sprains and strains but they are also useful for holding bandages in place on bigger wounds and holding splints on fractures.

  • Small Scissors

    • Good for cutting bandages, tape, and even trimming fingernails and hangnails.

  • Ziploc bags

    • Perfect for storing that tick you just pulled off. Some ticks carry pathogens that cause Lyme disease and other illnesses. It is important to keep the tick to identify later if symptoms arise.

  • Tweezers & Magnifying Glass

    • Great for those small splinters or even getting that fishing hook out of your finger.