Accidents occur, but you can prepare for them.
As parents, we wish we could prevent every incident, yet injuries to children are unavoidable. It’s all part of growing up, being daring, and pushing the limits of what they can (and can’t) do.
We’ve put up a fast reference list of first aid kit necessities so you can always have what you need at home or on the move. We’ve also included a list of treatment suggestions for common injuries. That way, you’ll be prepared the next time your youngster makes a major blunder that needs more than a soothing hug.
At least once a year, restock your kit. Bandages and medicines both have a limited shelf life. For a household of four, the American Red Cross recommends the following items:
- 2 compress dressings (absorbent) (5 x 9 inches)
- 25 bandages with adhesive (assorted sizes)
- 1 roll of fabric tape with adhesive (10 yards x 1 inch)
- 5 packages of antibiotic ointment
- 5 packages of antiseptic wipes
- 2 aspirin packets (81mg each)
- 1 blanket in case of emergency
- 1 obstacle to breathing (with a one-way valve)
- 1 cold compress (instant)
- 2 sets of gloves that aren't made of latex (size: large)
- 2 packets of hydrocortisone ointment
- 1 gauze roll bandage, 3 in.
- 1 bandage with rollers (4 inches wide)
- 5 sterile gauze pads, 3 x 3 inches
- 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
- 1 non-mercury/non-glass thermometer
- 2 bandages in the shape of a triangle
- Tweezers (one pair)
If you or a member of your family suffers an injury, do not hesitate to contact 911 if the situation is more severe than the minor cuts, bumps, and bruises listed in our quick reference guide. You may also want to look into taking a First Aid course.
Simple Cuts
If you or a member of your family suffers an injury, do not hesitate to contact 911 if the situation is more severe than the minor cuts, bumps, and bruises listed in our quick reference guide. You may also want to look into taking a First Aid course.
- Stop the bleeding by gently pressing on the wound with gauze or a clean cloth.
- Rinse the wound thoroughly with running water to remove any debris or foreign objects.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, to the affected region and then cover it with a bandage.
- Use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide sparingly for cleaning wounds. Healthy cells that are striving to mend the wound may be killed as a result of this.
- Keep an eye on the site for symptoms of infection during the following several days (inflammation, oozing, or complaints from your child that it remains painful).
Mild Burns
- To relieve pain and inflammation, soak the region in cold water for 10-15 minutes. Repeat as needed, or use an ice pack instead.
- To relieve the burn and aid skin cell regeneration, use an antibiotic ointment or aloe vera gel.
- If a blister develops, leave it alone to avoid infection. Apply antibiotic ointment and a clean bandage after the blister bursts on its own.
- Vitamin E and butter should not be used on a new burn since they might irritate it.
- Never put ice on a burn immediately. This may result in tissue damage.
Insect Stings
- To reduce swelling, wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply it to the stung location.
- To relieve inflammation, use calamine lotion or similar anti-itch cream.
- Keep an eye on your youngster for welts or hives. If any develop, go to the emergency room.
- The stinger should not be squeezed. This may result in the release of more venom into the body. Scrape the stinger out using the edge of a credit card or a solid flat item instead.
Nosebleeds
- Allow your child to lean forward gently.
- Allowing your youngster to tilt their head back is not a good idea. It's possible that blood may flow down their neck and into their stomach, causing them to vomit.
- Apply pressure to their nose with a washcloth or tissue, pinching their nostrils shut. While they quietly breathe out of their mouth, this frequently helps to halt the flow of blood.
- After the bleeding has stopped, prevent your kid from blowing their nose for many hours. Even a little hit might cause the bleeding to resume.
Head Bumps
- To minimize swelling, wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a thin cloth and place it against the affected region.
- Ibuprofen should not be given to a youngster who has had a head injury. The medicine may induce more bleeding if the damage is serious.
- Keep an eye out for indicators of a major brain injury or concussion, such as disorientation, a growing headache, slurred speech, and so on.
If your child’s injuries are serious or you have worries about their behavior following an accident, visit a doctor as soon as possible.
