For sporting adventures, it's a good idea to carry a first aid kit. Many sports stores offer preconstructed kits for purchase, but many of us don't have the extra money to spend on a first aid kit. Many of the necessary elements to creating a first aid kit can be found somewhere in the home. Parents and children should perform this activity together.
Although your kit may not include all of the items mentioned, we have compiled this comprehensive list to demonstrate what might be needed in an emergency. Always take your environment into account when planning your kit.
Contents of Our Kit
Essentials:
First aid manual
Emergency blanket
Flashlight with extra batteries
Medical tape
Antibacterial soap
Tweezers
Sunblock
Insect repellent
Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds
Rubbing alcohol for disinfectant
Adhesive bandage strips
Gauze wrap
Mirror and whistle to signal for help
Things to add:
Paper and pencil
Change for a telephone call
CPR Shield
Scissors
Razor blade
Medical gloves
Lip protectant
Aloe Vera Gel to treat sunburn
Saline Solution for rinsing the eyes
Safety pins
Cold pack *
Tissues, cotton swabs, and cotton balls
Petroleum jelly
Butterfly bandages
Elastic wraps
Sterile cotton balls, eye patches and gauze pads
Triangular bandage
Squeeze bottle of water
Iodine-based water purification tablets
It's a good idea to pack your first aid kit into a small soft-sided cooler. This will keep a cold pack cold, and many of these types of coolers are water resistant.
Possible Medications:
Snake bite kit and information about treating bites
Topical antihistamine for bites and stings
Oral antihistamine
Antacid
Dramamine
Pain reliever
Calamine lotion
Antibiotic cream
Laxative
Antidiarrheal pills
Syrup of Ipecac - use only when directed by the Poison Control Center
Activated charcoal - use only when directed by the Poison Control Center
Each member of the group should have:
Identification card including who to contact in case of emergency and any prior medical conditions such as diabetes or allergy to bee stings or medications
Medical insurance card
Doctor's name and number
Remember, this is just a general guide for packing your kit. Use common sense and logic to decide what may be important to your health and well-being while away from your home.
