Make a Family First Aid Kit

by Sarah Blackburn, DNP, APRN

Bumps, scrapes and bruises happen – especially in a busy, active family. Are you ready to handle these minor injuries when they present themselves? Having a first aid kit is essential for easily and quickly treating these minor injuries and getting you and your family back on the go!

The American Red Cross recommends that a family’s first aid kit include the following items:

• 2 5 in. x 9 in. absorbent compress dressings
• 25 assorted sizes of adhesive bandages
• 5 antiseptic wipes
• 4 81mg aspirin tablets
• 5 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads
• 5 4 in. x 4 in. sterile gauze pads
• 1 oral thermometer
• 2 pairs of gloves
• 1 emergency blanket
• 1 breathing barrier with one-way valve
• 1 cold compress
• 1 antibiotic ointment
• 1 hydrocortisone ointment
• 2 triangular bandages
• 1 pair of tweezers
• 1 roll of rolled gauze
• 1 roll of cloth tape

We recommend also including hand sanitizer, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) oral solution, scissors, sunscreen, an emergency phone list and a list of current medications. Your first aid kit is also a great place to store any emergency medications such as epinephrine for allergic reactions. Add items that are specific to your particular family’s activities such as Ace wraps for sports or bug spray for hiking.

For your convenience, Kroger sells a pre-packaged 70-item first aid kit. However, if you’re more of a DIYer, you can compile your own kit. Items can easily be stored in a plastic container or tackle box. Keep one in the house and one in the car so you’re always prepared wherever you are.

Be prepared for minor accidents and injuries with your own family first aid kit. Remember to check your kit regularly (at least once per year) to ensure items have not expired and to replenish supplies. And, don’t forget to follow up with your healthcare practitioner for any minor injury complication or more serious injury requiring professional medical evaluation.

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