Children & Adolescents Clinic

 Home Parent's Guide

Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version

First Aid Kit

The first aid kit may be needed at home, on a vacation, or while hiking or camping. Therefore, the contents should be kept in a small box that is portable. Medications are usually not included. The following items should be included:

  • Band-Aids
  • sterile gauze pads - both regular and nonstick type
  • adhesive tape, 1/2-inch width
  • Steristrips (for closing minor lacerations)
  • soap - small sample bar

    (Note: Hydrogen peroxide solution is unnecessary. It's no better than soap and water for cleaning wounds.)

  • alcohol wipes or pledgets
  • elastic bandage (for sprained ankle)
  • triangular bandage (for sprained ankle or arm injury, or as a tourniquet)
  • needle and tweezers (for removing slivers or ticks)
  • razor blade (for poisonous snake bite)
  • small scissors
  • papain (meat tenderizer powder for bee stings)
  • insect repellent
  • sunscreen
  • adrenalin and syringe (optional, needed if a family member has a severe allergy to bee stings)
  • oral airway (optional)
  • extra supplies for hiking or camping:
    • compass
    • whistle
    • flashlight
    • matches
  • optional medications for camping:
    • antibiotic ointment
    • hydrocortisone cream
    • antihistamines
    • acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems