Summer is a time for relaxation, family fun, and oh yeah, cuts, bruises, burns and more. The downside of many fun summer activities is the increased likelihood of hurts and boo boos. Being prepared to care for minor injuries at home or on the run can remove some of the worry and stress from both patient and caregiver.
Echo Pharmacy has compiled a list of items to keep in a home first aid kit, as suggested by the Red Cross. Kits should be prepared for the home, car, and outings. Various cases can be utilized depending upon the use of the kit. For example, if preparing a kit to take boating, a waterproof case would be recommended. The kit should contain personal items such as prescription medications, allergy alerts, and emergency contact numbers. Check the kit regularly and replace any past expiration date items.
The kit should include:
- 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
- 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
- 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
- 5 antiseptic wipe packets
- 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
- 1 blanket (space blanket)
- 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
- 1 instant cold compress
- 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
- 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
- Scissors
- 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
- 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
- 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
- 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
- 2 triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- First aid instruction booklet
