First Aid

Important Reminders for Home First-Aid Kit

Having a reliable, accessible first-aid kit is important. Below are some helpful reminders related to the creation and maintenance of your first-aid kit.

• Prepare two first-aid kits: one for home and one for travel.
• Include a first-aid chart complete with written instructions for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in each kit. 
• Store home first-aid supplies in a locked box or locked closet. Store your travel first-aid kit in a locked trunk or locked glove compartment.
• Tape emergency information card to the lid on the outside of the first-aid box.
• If any family member requires special medication for a life-threatening emergency, include that medication in each first-aid kit. For example, include injectable epinephrine for a child with a known life-threatening allergy.
• If any family member has a medical condition that is likely to require special medicine, include that medication in each first-aid kit. For example, include an inhaler for a child with asthma.
• Tape a supply list to the inside of the lid. Write the date the kit was assembled or last checked. Beside each medication, write the expiration date. Replace medications before they expire. Replace all other supplies immediately after use.

First-Aid Kit Contents

There are many items you should include in your first-aid kit. Items recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics include: 

• Adhesive bandages – assorted sizes
• Nonstick dressings – 4-inch squares
• Roll of gauze – 1- and 2-inch rolls
• Adhesive tape – 1-inch roll
• Butterfly bandages
• Elastic bandage – 3-inch roll with safety pins
• Packet of cotton swabs
• Roll of absorbent cotton
• Round-tipped scissors
• Tweezers
• Unbreakable, digital thermometer
• Children’s acetaminophen tablets or liquid
• Antihistamine tablets or liquid
• Syrup of ipecac
• Antibiotic cream
• Calamine lotion
• Alcohol wipes
• Disposable gloves
• Flashlight
• First-Aid Chart

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, Guide to Your Child’s Symptoms