Treating accidental injuries are part of parenting. Sooner or later all
children will require some form of first-aid treatment. The best way to deal
with the lumps and bumps sustained by curious and sometimes not so careful
children is to have the first-aid supplies needed to care for minor illnesses
and injuries.
Your family first-aid supplies should be readily accessible. They can be kept
in a special first-aid kit or stored somewhere else in the home. The kit should
include the following:
- Small pair of scissors (for cutting bandages off and
on)
- Adhesive tape
- Non-stick bandages
- Band-Aid's in a variety of sizes
- Antiseptic solution (Hydrogen peroxide works well)
- Anti-bacterial ointment
- Butterfly dressings
- Triangular bandage and safety pins (for making slings)
- Ice pack (chemical ice packs are for one time use only
so it is a good idea to have a reusable ice pack also)
- Heating pad
- Elastic or ACE bandage
- Tweezers for removing splinters and ticks
- Thermometer oral and rectal (if you have small
children) and lubricant for rectal temperature taking
- Tylenol (be sure to check the concentration since
infant, child and adult preparations vary)
- Ibuprofen
- Ipecac syrup (for use in accidental poisoning when
directed to do so by a poison control center)
- Measuring spoon, dropper or calibrated medicine cup to
accurately dispense medication
- Benadryl (syrup or capsules) for allergic reactions
- Calamine lotion for poison ivy and bug bites
- 1% Hydrocortisone Cream for itching and rashes
- Disposable gloves
In addition to the above medical supplies you need to have the following
information readily available, especially when you're not caring for your
children:
- Health insurance information
- A signed letter authorizing medical treatment for your
children in your absence
- Physician's name, phone number and address
- Poison Control number in your region
Remember to inventory your first aid kit every few months. Medications and
supplies that have expired will need to be replaced. Keep your first aid kit out
of reach of curious children.
Courtesy Health AtoZ
