Be Prepared with a Solid First Aid Kit
By Leanne Shelton
As a mom of three young boys, we have been through our fair share of injuries – broken bones, stitches, burns, bruises, and a chipped tooth. At one point, urgent care knew us on a first-name basis. I was ready to ask for a frequent flyer card! Why, oh why do little boys play so rough?!
With all the injuries, we go through first aid supplies rather quickly, which got me thinking – am I properly stocking my first aid kit? We have tons of bandaids (thanks to Target’s dollar spot and the dollar store), Neosporin, anti-itch cream, some tape, Tylenol and Advil, a thermometer, rubbing alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. Is it enough? And, not to mention, it is spread all throughout my house.
So I did a little research. According to the American Red Cross, a properly stocked first aid kit for a family of four should include the following:
- 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
After doing my research, I realized that I am not nearly as prepared as I COULD or SHOULD be! Additionally, according to KidsHealth from Nemours, first aid kits should also include a splint, soap, antiseptic solution like hydrogen peroxide, acetaminophen and ibuprofen, extra prescription medication, tweezers, safety pins, calamine lotion, a tooth preservation kit, a flashlight, and extra batteries.
Most importantly, your kit should include a list of emergency phone numbers.
It is also wise to make sure that you have the items together in a container or zippered pouch. You should store it in a place that is easy for adults to get to but out of a child’s reach. And don’t forget to make sure babysitters or caretakers know where your kit is located. You should also keep a kit in your car for when you go on trips or vacations.
And don’t forget to check your kit on a regular basis to make sure you have replaced items you have used and nothing is expired.
What do you think about this list? Are there any items that you’d add? Comment below and let us know how your first aid kit measures up.
Don’t have a first aid kit? Contact Shoen Safety and Training to purchase yours today. It is better to have and not need than not have and need. Trust me.
If you have any questions about the list, first aid kits, or first aid in general, be sure to contact Shoen Safety and Training.
