First Aid Kit 101

Keeping a first aid kit on hand at all times will enable more ease and comfort in a stressful situation. First aid kits are extremely useful for all family homes and cars. It is also useful to create a smaller first aid kit to fit into your purse, diaper bag, backpack or even pocket. Band-Aids and antiseptic wipes always seem to be needed when you are least expecting it. A quick swing at the park could lead to a bump or scrape that may need medical attention along with love and cuddles.

You can make your own first aid kit from materials you may already have or be able to purchase. However, pre-made and 'ready to go' first aid kits can be purchased at pharmacies, most department stores, sports stores and grocery stores.

Common Items:

* Topical antibiotic cream (ie: polisporin)
* Hydrocortisone or antihistamine cream (insect bites)
* Sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
* Bandages
* Safety pins
* Thermometer
* Scissors
* Tweezers and needles (to remove splinters, etc.)
* Gloves (for protection)
* Large plastic bag (disposing bloody bandages, items to be transported to hospital, etc.)
* Extra Epi-Pen (if applicable)
* Butterfly bandages
* Adhesive tape
* Salt (leeches)
* Ice packs
* Calamine lotion
* Cotton balls
* Cotton swabs
* Pocket mask
* Hot water bottle
* Insect repellent
* Matches
* Non-adhering bandages (burns)
* Paper and pencil
* Triangular bandages
* Waterproof tape
* Hand cleaner
* Small flashlight and extra batteries
* Syrup of Ipecac (use only if instructed by poison control!)
* Sunscreen lotion
* Aloe Vera
* Safe Parent Manual- First Aid Section
* Eye patches
* Paper cups

Remember that this is a base list of items for your first aid kit. Ensure that you customize your kit to meet your family’s needs. Keep a main first aid kit in your home, cottage, car, etc. Create a small pack to take with you for outings (ex: a few bandages, ice pack, antiseptic, etc.)

Now that you have educated yourself go out and get started building your own first aid kit! Let the children help and become familiar with the material inside. This way if an injury occurs stress and discomfort may be eased, as well as any 'scary' thoughts that may be going through your child's mind in any first aid minor injury.

Until next time...
~A

Are You REALLY a SAFE PARENT?

Take a moment to ask yourself....AM I REALLY A SAFE PARENT? Do you know what to do if your child has a nosebleed, how to splint a broken arm, what to do if a child goes into anaphylactic shock? Have you ever took a Car Seat Safety Clinic? Have you ever took your child to a Bike Safety course? Do you own a first aid kit for in your home, have supplies in your car, and at the cottage? Do you have your electrical outlets covered properly, and do you cook with the pot handles on the stove facing in?

I am not educating you to become a safety drill sargent, but you should be aware of safety issues within your home, including toys, outdoor and indoor safety, and emergencies. All it takes is one afternoon of learning to SAVE your child's life!

I created this blog with the intention to work with DeGrace Energetics SAFE PARENT program, in a non-formal manner, to continue to educate and network with parents and caregivers regarding home safety, consumer recalls, first aid and CPR information, boating and swimming safety and much more!

Stay tuned for another post coming soon!

~Amanda