Do you have a family first aid kit? Is it stocked with pharmacy-grade first aid supplies? Now, answer honestly. Is your family first aid kit an old, beat-up kit that has been pilfered many, many times over the years?
If you’re like most people, you have a first aid kit. But you and your family “borrow” medical supplies from it (constantly). Then, no one remembers to restock it. All of a sudden, something happens. You grab your first aid kit, and it’s an unorganized mess full of old expired products and remnants of the last time it was pilfered.
Unfortunately, this is a common scenario. One that could end up having dire consequences.
Statistic: According to the National Library of Medicine, Injuries in the home present an important health burden worldwide. Globally, around a third of injuries occur in the home.
Why Every Household Needs a Family First Aid Kit
Minor injuries and illnesses can happen anytime. And in rural areas like Western Pennsylvania, you might not have access to medical care right around the corner. That’s when a pharmacy survival kit becomes priceless!
So, why not take an hour or so now to learn how to build a pharmacy-ready first aid kit that includes some basic first aid tips and instructions? Instructions that will tell you exactly what to do in the event of various emergencies.
When an accident happens, most people aren’t in the frame of mind to think clearly. And having written step-by-step instructions for different medical scenarios and supplies, detailing exactly what to do, could save a life.
Let’s get started!
What Should Be in Your Family First Aid Kit?
We’ll begin by categorizing your first aid kit essentials. Keeping everything categorized and organized will help you find things quickly when time is of the essence.
Build your own first aid kit using the following categories and supplies. Then you can add to it as needed based on your family’s specific needs (more about that in a moment).
Wound Care Supplies
Minor cuts and scrapes are some of the most common injuries at home.
Include the following supplies for your family first aid kit:
- Adhesive bandages in various sizes.
- Liquid bandages.
- Sterile gauze pads and medical tape.
- Butterfly closures.
- Antiseptic wipes and hydrogen peroxide.
- Antibiotic ointment like Neosporin.
These first aid kit essentials can all be purchased from any of your local Klingensmith’s Drug Stores.
Wound care first aid tips from the Mayo Clinic:
- Wash your hands.
- Stop the bleeding.
- Clean your wound.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Cover the wound.Change the bandages or wraps at least once a day or when they become wet or dirty.
- Call your doctor immediately if you see signs of infection.
Pain and Fever Relief
Fevers, headaches, and muscle aches can strike at any time. Supplies for first aid kit (put these items inside first aid box):
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen (in both adult and children’s forms).
- Pain relief tablets, liquid, and chewable forms, along with easy-to-use dosing tools for kids.
- Reusable or instant ice packs.
- Essential oils (lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, ginger, chamomile, lemon grass, frankincense). Also include carrier oils for diluting before applying them to the skin (coconut, jojoba, grapeseed, almond).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Store all medications safely but accessibly (especially if you have young children at home).
Cold, Allergy, and Respiratory Aids
Stock these supplies for seasonal sniffles or sudden allergy flares:
- Decongestants and antihistamines.
- Cough suppressants and throat lozenges.
- Saline nasal spray.
- A reliable digital thermometer.
If you need assistance, ask the pharmacist to help you choose the right cold or allergy medications.
TIP: Keep these items updated based on the season and expiration dates.
Minor Burns and Skin Irritations
Small burns, rashes, and bug bites are very common. Therefore, your family first aid kit should contain the following:
- Burn cream and aloe vera gel.
- Hydrocortisone cream.
- Calamine lotion and anti-itch creams.
You can find all these pharmacy-grade treatments at any Klingensmith’s Drug Store in the first aid aisle.
Allergy and Emergency Relief
Add the following to your first aid supplies for more serious but manageable situations:
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- Epinephrine auto-injector (Epi-Pen prescribed by your doctor).
- Cold compresses.
HOT TIP: Anyone could develop an allergy at any time to anything. Therefore, it’s recommended that you talk with your doctor about getting an epinephrine auto-injector (Epi-Pen) to keep on hand.
Tools and Miscellaneous Essentials
Sometimes it’s the small tools and essentials that make the biggest difference. So, consider keeping these items in your family first aid kit.
- Tweezers and scissors.
- Disposable medical (nitrile) gloves.
- CPR face shield.
- Eye wash.
- Gum numbing gel (for toothaches)
- Thermometer.
- Cotton balls and swabs.
- Disposable face masks.
- Pepto Bismol
- First aid manual and instruction sheets.
- EKG monitor.
- Choking rescue products.
These practical items are easy to overlook. But they are essential to have on hand.
Customizing Your Urgent Care Kit to Match Your Family’s Needs
No two families are alike. Therefore, your family first aid kit (urgent care kit) should reflect that. Consider adding the following (and other family needs) to your kit:
- For children: Kid-friendly pain relievers, fun bandages, oral syringes for dosing.
- For seniors: Arthritis creams, blood pressure monitors, blood sugar testing supplies, and acid-reflux medications.
- For pets: Pet-safe antiseptic wipes and wraps.
- For your vehicle and travel bag: Don’t forget to create a mini-kit for your vehicle and travel bag as well. Here is information from the American Red Cross about how to put together a travel first aid kit for every occasion.
HOT TIP: Keep the Poison Control Center number displayed in your home, where everyone knows where it is and can see it. Or better yet, have them memorize it (it’s easy to remember)! POISON CONTROL HOTLINE NUMBER: 1-800-222-1222.
It’s also prudent to keep your veterinarian’s phone number along with the phone number of an after-hours emergency vet handy.
When and How Often Should You Replenish a First Aid Kit?
Medications expire. Bandages run out. The only thing worse than not having a family first aid kit is discovering it’s empty or expired when you need it.
Create a replenishment schedule. Restock every 6–12 months. Associate your first aid replenishment date with another date you will remember. For example, a birthday, a holiday, daylight saving time (if you have that). Any date that will remind you to replenish.
Check and replenish the following essentials:
- Expiration dates on medications and ointments.
- The condition of tools like thermometers and scissors.
- Used or opened supplies that need restocking.
HOT TIP: Make a note of all the supplies in your family first aid kit and create a custom checklist with that information. That way, you don’t have to rethink or remember everything in your kit each time.
Visit Your Local Klingensmith’s Drug Store Today
Whether you are putting together a family first aid kit for the first time or just need to replenish the one you already have, your local Klingensmith’s Drug Store has everything you need (including your prescription medications). And, if you have any questions, our pharmacist would be happy to assist you!
DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding all medical issues or conditions. Or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
