BE PREPARED: FIRST AID KIT

Warm weather brings out the adventurous side of most and people find themselves doing more yard work, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, all of which can potentially cause injury. While a first aid kit is an important resource to have on hand for emergencies all year long, summer may be a time where you find it is most useful.

It’s a good idea to have a well-equipped first aid kit in any or all of the following places: at home, in your car, packed along with your camping, hunting or fishing gear, on your boat, in a motorcycle compartment, and in your backpack.

Most pharmacies sell first aid kits. They range in size, shape, and purpose. Some include the very basics and others are geared toward certain activities. You can order one from the Red Cross store or you can make your own using the following supply list. The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (ie. “band aids” assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets

• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)             
• 1 blanket (or space blanket)
• 1 breathing barrier or CPR mask (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (ace bandage) - 3 inches wide
• 1 roller bandage (ace bandage) - 4 inches wide
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First aid instruction booklet

Additional supplies may include:

·         Hand sanitizer

·         Sweet hard candy/granola bars (for low blood sugar or hungry children)

·         Clean water

·         Hand/foot warmers

·         Aloe Vera (for burns)

·         Sunscreen

·         Bug repellant

·         Flashlight

·         Extra batteries

Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest. Check the kit regularly. Make sure the flashlight batteries work. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

Additional safety tips for the adventuresome:

·         Pack extra food and water

·         Break your shoes/boots in before a long hike

·         Check weather forecast before departure

·         Always tell a friend or family member who is staying behind where you are going, when you will return, and how to contact you if necessary

·         Pack an extra cell phone battery or charger

We hope that you enjoy many activities this summer and more importantly, we hope that you and your friends and family do so safely. Make the initial effort to be prepared in advance and have a safe adventure!