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First Aid
First aid kits and contents can vary with your activities, but having basic supplies on hand is key. An at-home first aid kit is a must and keeping a smaller kit for the car or taking on hikes or walks is a good idea. Beth Goodale joins me as we talk about what we have learned over the years about first aid.
Beth is a mom of three. Two have graduated and one is in 5th grade and all of them have been outdoor kids. Beth is also a nurse who has great insight on keeping safe in the outdoors. We both comprised our own list of must-haves for a first aid kit to take on-the-go.
Beth’s Top Ten:
- 5-day pillbox to keep medicine in. write on each day what the pill is for reference. Medicine to include Asprin, Tums, Benedryl, Imodium, and Advil. Any equivalent or additional medications required. Change out medication when needed.
- Credit card or used gift card. This will aid in removing stingers from bees, other insects, and jellyfish.
- Saline or artificial tears. This is helpful with sand, dirt, and objects that can fly into the eye.
- Bandaids. Skinflex types that will stay on the skin with shoes rubbing or sweat.
- Baby powder with cornstarch. Use inside shoes to help absorb moisture and prevent blisters. Rub on heels before putting on socks. This also helps to remove sand from your skin.
- Drink pouch, CapriSun style. Keep one frozen and add to your cooler for the day. Perfect size for bites and reduce swelling.
- Gauze pads of various sizes. Bandana and feminine products. In a pinch, feminine pads are very absorbent and can do a better job than gauze in a vascular area. A bandana can cover it up so no one is the wiser. Bandanas are also helpful to keep ice packs in place, cover a wound or use as a sweatband.
- Tweezers. These are for splinters and ticks.
- Bug bite relief sticks. These are made with baking soda for quick relief of stings.
- Sharpie or marker. Keep track of swelling in the event of snakebite.
Holly’s Car Kit
I keep an old picnic basket in my trunk with supplies like a first aid kit. My list changes with seasons and the age of my children. I also keep a small backpack at home with a ziptop bag with supplies for hikes and walks. These are the items I shared in the video.
- Whistle. One for every person.
- old paintbrush or hand broom
- latex gloves
- sunscreen
- bug spray
- bubbles
- water
- snack bars
I usually include wipes and bungee cords. We have needed bungee cords on more than one occasion and had a difficult time finding them at gas stations.
Outdoor adventures with children are fun and a great way to spend days in your week. Often times moms are apprehensive to take their children on outdoor activities away from home by themselves. If you plan a first aid kit in advance and take simple steps to teach your children to use a whistle or other safety measure, you can feel confident to venture out on your own.
