Anne Chlovechok
Anyone with children has seen his or her share of injuries, ranging from a standard boo-boo to "Let's get this kid to the ER right now!" Most injuries, fortunately, fall into the first category, and can be safely treated at home. In order to handle the inevitable childhood cuts and bruises, however, every family should keep a well-stocked first-aid kit in their home.
Many stores carry ready made first-aid kits stocked with the basics, but they are often lacking in some important areas. Parents who take the time to put together their own, custom-made first-aid kit will know they're prepared for just about anything. And it doesn't need to be confined to the home. When on vacation, far from regular medical care personnel, most parents will be more comfortable knowing they have their own medical supplies with them in case of the unexpected.
Here's what you need to put together a customized first-aid kit:
A Tackle Box These come in several sizes, and they have all those neat little nooks and crannies which are perfect for storing various necessary items.
Sunburn Lotion The kind with lidocaine, which is a topical anesthetic, is most effective. It really stops the pain. Many also contain aloe, which will also cool off the burn. This is good for treating poison ivy as well ‚ the lidocaine helps with the itching. Don't use it on open wounds or broken skin.
Sting Stop This stuff is great. It contains a topical anesthetic that quickly stops the pain and itching of a sting. It really helps. Remember, if the sting was delivered by a honey bee, the stinger will need to be removed. It's best not to use tweezers for this, as squeezing the stinger while it's still in the skin will only serve to release any remaining venom into the victim. Better to use a credit card, scraping sharply over the sting to pop the stinger out.
Antibiotic Ointment Always put it directly on the sterile surface of the bandage rather than on the finger to keep both the bandage and the rest of the ointment inside the tube sterile. Remember, the best way to prevent infection of a wound is to wash it well with soap and water.
Chigger Rid or Clear Nail Polish Chiggers are tiny mites which hang out in tall grass just waiting to climb on a person and start burrowing under the skin, causing miserable itching. When brushed over the chigger's tunnels, it kills them. Good stuff.
Over-the-counter Antihistamine Take immediately after an insect sting, to prevent secondary, longer-term reactions. This is obviously not for the person with serious allergies to bee stings. If you have a family member with severe alleries to insect stings, you should have an EpiPen in your first aid kit. And make sure it hasn't passed its expiration date.
Over-the-counter Pain And Fever Reducers Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol, etc.) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Nupren, etc.) are the three over-the-counter drugs in this category. The generic brands work fine. Be sure to read directions and precautions carefully. (Aspirin and ibuprofen should not be used on patients with influenza symptoms or chicken pox as these medications can cause serious complications such as Reyes Syndrome in these patients, especially in children.) Also include over-the-counter medicines for coughing, heartburn, diarrhea, and gas. Remember to buy both children's and adult's. (Note: A single aspirin given at the beginning of symptoms can sometimes save a life when someone is having a heart attack.)
Bandages, Band-Aids You should have assorted sizes and shapes for assorted injuries.
Maxi Pads In case of a serious cut resulting in heavy bleeding, maxi pads are very good for pressing over a wound while getting medical help for the person.
Medical Latex Gloves If someone is bleeding heavily, it's a good idea these days to avoid contact with their blood. So take the time to put on gloves before helping.
A Tooth Container A small container, such as the plastic ones film comes in, half full of powdered milk. Should someone have a tooth knocked out with the roots still attached, there's a chance the tooth can be saved. Mix the powdered milk with water to re-constitute it, and drop in the tooth. Avoid touching the root end of the tooth.The milk will keep the root alive while the victim and the tooth are transported to the nearest emergency room.
Instant Ice-Pack These work by squeezing the bag, releasing chemicals which, when mixed together, become very cold. This is handy for sprains and sore muscles.
Saline Eye Drops These work well for chlorine overdose or allergy itchiness. These also come in handy if someone gets something in his eye which cannot be easily removed. Be careful. If the foreign object is too difficult to remove, a doctor should look at it.
Diaper Rash Ointment This, and over-the-counter yeast infection ointment, offer a lot of relief for rashes and infections in sensitive places.
A Few Essential Tools Remember to add a good tweezers and a needle, for removing splinters and ticks, and matches for sterilizing the needle. Also handy are a thermometer, nail clippers for removing hangnails, and a good pair of scissors for cutting bandages.
Many parents are finding that taking a first-aid class from the American Red Cross gives them greater confidence by teaching them how to treat a whole array of injuries, ranging from broken limbs to severe burns and cuts, to drowning. They also learn CPR, which can save a child's life.
Why wait any longer to put together a personal, family first-aid kit? Let the children help ‚ it will be fun, and it presents an opportunity to discuss the proper use of the items included. When it's done, store it someplace easily accessible. It will be ready next time it's needed. Itís like peace of mind in a little plastic box.
Anne Chlovechok is a freelance writer and the stay-at-home mother of five children, all of whom frequently test her knowledge of first-aid. She lives with her children and her husband, a sports medicine physician, published novelist, and professional boxer, in Southeast Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University.
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