With summer quickly approaching, Hospitality Health ER’s Physician Director, Dr. Jeffrey Beers, shared some insights into essential items that will help you and your family stay healthy and safe during Texas’ triple degree weather.
According to the CDC, nearly half of U.S. adults do not have the resources and plans in place in the event of an emergency. Are you prepared?
Whether you’re planning on going on vacation during the summer months or simply want to be prepared for potential injuries in the backyard, this first aid kit list has your back.
25 Summer First Aid Kit Essentials
- A list of emergency phone numbers and any known allergies for your children
- Several sizes of sterile gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Several sizes of adhesive bandages
- Elastic bandage
- Hand sanitizer and antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic solution
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Pain relief (i.e. acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Prescription medicines
- Allergy medicines (i.e. Claritin or Zyrtec)
- Nausea relief medications
- Tweezers
- Sharp scissors
- Cold compress instant packs
- Analgesic balm
- Calamine lotion
- Thermometer
- Non-latex gloves
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Chapstick
- Vaseline
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
And don’t forget your First Aid Kit container. After adding this all up, your first aid kit should cost you around $150. But protecting your kiddos from harm is priceless.
After you’ve stocked your first aid kits…
First, read each item’s instructions so you understand how to use every first aid kit element. If your children are old enough to understand what each item is and what it is for, you can also review the main points with them. In addition to learning how to use the first aid kit, you’ll want to:
- Store first aid kits out of children’s reach but where adults can easily get them.
- Check the kits regularly. Replace missing items or anything that has expired.
- Make sure babysitters and other caregivers know where the kit is and how to use it.
- Check the flashlight batteries to make sure they work.
- Pack the first aid kit in your checked luggage if you’re flying somewhere. Be aware many of the items won’t be permitted in carry-on bags.
- Keep a first aid kit in your home and in your vehicles.
If you visit American Red Cross’ website, you can:
- Sign up for a first aid course here
- Buy first aid kits and/or items to restock your kit here
- Learn basic first aid steps here
- Take an online first aid class here
If you can think of any additional items that weren’t included in this summer first aid kit list, please add them in the comments. From all of us at Hospitality Health ER, we hope you and your loved ones have a happy and healthy summer!
For useful tips to survive the summer months, make sure to follow along on our Hospitality Health ER blog page. We’ve recently covered “Electrolyte Balance 101,” and “The Top Five Ways Getting Enough Magnesium Can Improve Your Day.” Love giveaways? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
