Wherever your family goes this summer, it’s important to be prepared in case of medical emergency. The best way to do that is to have a summer first-aid kit handy.
Susan Bowles, RN, BSN, community educator at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, says every kit should include:
- adhesive bandages
- in several sizes
- antiseptic wipes
- elastic bandages
- gauze squares
- gloves
- tape
- triple antibiotic ointment
- tweezers
“Summer first-aid kits should be family-specific,”
Bowles says. “If your child is allergic to bee stings, for example, include an antihistamine, ibuprofen and an epinephrine auto-injector. But if the kit has medications, keep it out of extreme heat and don’t store it in your car. Also, keep an eye on the drugs’ expiration dates.”
Remember to check expiration dates on insect repellent and sunscreen, too. If they’re expired, your kids won’t be protected from UV rays and bugs that might carry diseases.
