First aid kits

 

 

Q;

Dear ER Doc,

My family goes camping quite a bit, and someone always gets hurt.  Injuries typically include scrapes, cuts, bee stings and the like.  When this happens, we are always scrambling for the first aid kit, which is a complete mess.  What is in your first aid kit?

 

A:

First of all, I suspect my first aid kit has a few things that most don’t (suture kits, prescription medications, an array of splints, etc).  However, I think there are some essential items that everyone should pack into a first aid kit and they don’t take up too much room.  I have them listed below.  I suggest getting a plastic or metal box, and keeping it an easy to access place, and re-stocking frequently.  This is by no means a complete list for any possible injury or illness, but you have to start somewhere.

 

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen for pain/fever

Anti-histamine for allergic reactions (diphenhydramine)

Povidone-iodine antiseptic solution for cleaning wounds

Antibiotic ointment for wounds

Calamine lotion for poison oak

Sterile saline for irrigation

Sterile gauze (roll and pads)

Sterile swabs

Adhesive tape

Various sizes of bandages

Cold pack

Elastic bandage wrap

Sterile mouthpiece for mouth to mouth rescue breathing

Disposable surgical gloves

Scissors

Tweezers

Thermometer

Tagged as: bee stings, cuts, First Aid Kit, scrapes