As a parent, I realized I should have first aid supplies on hand. I think I realized, I am an adult and I should be responsible and have the essentials on hand! As a special needs mom, I know anything can happen, including accidents. It is inevitable, that whatever you own will get ruined or go missing at some point in time. It is not a matter of “if” but “when”. So it makes sense to have the essentials on hand. Being prepared in any situation is important. I find that when your child gets hurt, you can get tunnel vision and forget what you need to do to help them.

In the meantime, I created my own little first aid box with my supplies all in one place. I have them all gathered, including hydrogen peroxide, creams, thermometer, etc. I have them ready for whatever happens.

Whether you are planning a trip, such as camping, hiking or other outdoor activity, consider a first aid bag for your supplies.

Bandages

Adhesive bandages in various sizes (including butterfly closures, described below) A full range of cloth adhesive bandages is the best choice, with round ones for fingers and toes, small squares for knuckle and knee dressings, long strips to hold on large gauze pads, and large ones for knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, hands. Also include a few waterproof bandages for cuts that are likely to get wet or dirty.

Gauze pads/gauze rolls

Gauze pads in various sizes (2 x 2 inch or 4 x 4 inch) – You can use cotton balls as an alternative.

Nonstick pads or roll of waterproof adhesive tape in 1- to 2-inch widths – Use this for securing gauze, wrapping small wounds, and taping on splints. Also helpful is a supply of clear plastic wrap you can cut up and use to protect large wounds, burns, or blisters.

Adhesive dressings

One large adhesive dressing (at least 3 x 4 inches) – For covering full-thickness puncture wounds or other extensive gashes; also handy for sealing off the end of a finger after you put in a splint.

Nitrile or latex examination gloves

Two pairs of gloves plus a spare pair in case you get blood on your clothes or need to change dressings.

Tweezers

Get the kind with pointed tips. These are useful for removing splinters, small slivers, ticks, and other objects embedded in the skin. A blunt-pointed pair of tweezers are good for removing splinters from around the fingernails.

Eye dropper or syringe

These are useful when your child might need to take liquid medications, such as Tylenol, in a hurry.

Safety pins

Use these to hold together a gaping wound or tear in a bandage, and for fastening bulky dressings in place. Also useful when you need to attach one thing to another – such as a diaper to a child’s pants – without using a lot of tape.

Small plastic trash bags

Use these for collecting soiled dressings or soaking up blood from a cut that won’t stop bleeding. Or you can use a large bag as an emergency waterproof wrapping for a child with a serious injury.

Scissors

A pair of small, sharp-pointed scissors are good for trimming bandages or removing clothing stuck to a wound that must be cleaned. These should be handled with care. A child may swallow the blade or injure himself in other ways if left unattended – even when passed through an adult’s hands.

Antiseptic wipes

Antiseptic wipes are great for cleaning minor cuts or scrapes before applying ointment or bandage. You can also consider hydrogen peroxide to help clean and disinfect wounds.

Hydrocortisone cream

Helps relieve itching from bug bites, poison ivy, etc., reduces inflammation from sunburns and other rashes.

Ibuprofen tablets

Pain reliever that also helps reduce fever

Antibiotic ointment

Use a small amount on cuts and scrapes to prevent infection until you can get your child to a medical professional. It’s also helpful for minor burns.

Calamine lotion

Use this for insect bites and stings to relieve itching and reduce swelling. If you’re out on the trail, you might want to include Benadryl cream or liquid in case your child has a severe allergic reaction to bee stings.

Sunscreen

Protect your child from sunburn! While you’d think a small bandage over a bug bite is too small to require sunscreen, the fact is that any exposed skin can get burned.

Tissues

Use these for blotting up blood and mucus, wiping away excess ointment or lotion, etc. You can also use them as an alternative if you don’t have gloves.

Instant cold packs

These are useful for reducing swelling around a sprain or other injury.

Thermometer

A digital thermometer comes in handy when you need to take your child’s temperature quickly. However, if the thermometer breaks, it can be very dangerous to your child. Make sure you read and follow the directions.

First Aid Kits

When you think of your first aid kit items, are you prepared? If you’re confused about where to start or just want first aid kit supplies that are already packaged together, I would suggest an All-Purpose Kit, Travel Kit, or a mini travel kit.

What to do in an emergency

First aid is often more about preventing injury or harm than dealing with it. Most injuries are caused by accidents, which can be prevented through safety education and common sense at home and elsewhere. While accidents will always happen, some of the leading causes of first-aid emergencies – burns, scalds, poisonings, falls, and road accidents – can be prevented with the right precautions.