Accidents Happen: The Importance of a Basic First Aid Kit

The busy summer season, filled with travel and sports, can increase the likelihood of accidents. While you hope accidents don't happen, it's best to prepare yourself and your family for the summer months by stocking your home or your car with a first aid kit filled with the basic necessities.

First aid is the initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by a non-expert person to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Having a proper first aid kit on hand gives you the ability to quickly treat minor injuries that don't require a trip to the emergency room. For more significant injuries, a first aid kit can make a big difference in successful treatment and prevention of further damage.

A basic first aid kit should include:

• Sterile gauze pads to stop bleeding on minor cuts and scrapes.
• An antibiotic ointment, to protect lacerations from infection.
• Sterile bandages, like Band-Aids, in several sizes for various cuts or scrapes.
• Hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching on the skin from allergic reactions, bug bites or rashes.
• Disposable health care gloves, to prevent the spread of disease or infection.
• An instant cold compress to help lessen or prevent inflammation.
• A pain reliever, such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Antiseptic wipe packets, to cleanse superficial cuts and scrapes.
• Roller bandages to keep dressing in place, apply pressure, or support a sprain.
• Adhesive cloth tape, to secure bandages or gauze.
• Oral thermometer, to measure temperature or fever.
• An over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication like Imodium A-D, to treat diarrhea.

You can buy an all-purpose first aid kit, filled with these basic necessities, or you can assemble a kit on your own. Whether you buy a ready-made first aid kit or make your own, be sure to include a list of emergency contact phone numbers, along with a list of any family member's allergies or medical conditions for easy reference.

Help prepare your family for the busy summer season with a first aid kit, so you can spend less time worrying about the "what-ifs" and more time enjoying your time together!

If you have additional questions or would like information on medications or products for first aid, please contact Travis Holshouser or Jennifer Church.