At-Home First Aid Kits
ask an expert: health and safetycanada
(Jun.15.10)
I want to create a first aid kit to keep at home and at the cottage. What should I put in besides the obvious (band-aids, alcohol wipes, gauze etc.)?
Olivia H. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and first aid expert (and Paramedic!) Shannon Koeppenhoffer answered:
As the weather warms up and the end of the school year is in sight, it’s finally time for sunny outdoor activities with Mother Nature! Whether or not it’s in your own backyard with friends or spending long-weekends at the cottage, you need to be prepared and plan ahead! Keeping a family first-aid kit handy is a great way to ensure that in addition to having fun, the family stays safe and healthy.
Helpful tips for creating a family first aid kit:
- Keep medications up to date and replace expired items: Similar to your medicine cabinet, check your first aid kit regularly to make sure products haven’t expired. Be mindful of temperature changes when storing medications, especially during very hot days, and be aware of medications affected by sunlight.
- Make sure to keep an antihistamine in your kit: One of the most common first aid situations that families encounter outdoors is unexpected itching and hives due to bug bites or plants.Topical products containing antihistamines can provide fast relief from itch and pain, particularly for stings and poison ivy.
- Store items appropriately: All first aid items should be labeled and organized for quick and easy use by any member of the family. Supplies can be divided and grouped into sections for easier access when using your first aid kit. For items that may be prone to leaking or breaking open – store in plastic bottles, or resealable kitchen bags to help prevent contamination.
- Know where your kit is: Always keep your first aid kit in a relevant spot and ensure every family member knows where it is and has easy access to it.
- There’s safety in numbers: Your family won’t be sitting still in one place all summer – so don’t expect your first aid kit to either! Keep a first aid kit handy in every spot you might need it, including the home, car, stroller, cottage and boat.
For more information, visit www.livingwell.ca.
Shannon is a representative for Benadryl, and an Advanced Care Paramedic with special wilderness and tactical training. She has been working as a paramedic for over 11 years and has been a certified First Aid, CPR and Lifesaving / Lifeguarding Instructor for over 25 years. As the Owner and Director of Advanced Response Training, she continues to provide training in pre-hospital emergency care and first aid.
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