The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends every first-aid kit should have these basics:
- Sturdy bag or bin to carry everything
- Latex or other sterile gloves
- Antibiotic towelettes/alcohol wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
- Any prescribed medicines or medical supplies, including EpiPens
- Gauze
- Scissors/tweezers
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Hand sanitizer
- Pain medicine (for children and adults)
What to Add to Your First-Aid Kit for the Beach
You’re ready to jump the waves, dig in the sand, find seashells, and hide your food from seagulls. Here are a few supplies that will come in handy when you’re getting your beach on.
- Sunscreen and aloe (even for lips)
- Vinegar (in case of jellyfish stings)
- Calamine lotion (for sand flea bites or rashes from the sand)
- Extra bottles of water (in case of dehydration, overheating, or swallowing too much salt water)
- Umbrella (for taking a break from the sun)
What to Add to Your First-Aid Kit for Camp
You and your family decide to take on the wilderness and take in some of nature’s beauty. Fireflies will light up the night, the campfire will bring magic, and the birds will be your wake-up call in the morning. Before you grab your hiking shoes and canteen, make sure you add these essentials for camping to your basic first-aid kit.
- Hydrocortisone cream (anti-itch remedy for mosquito and other bug bites)
- Moisturizing eye drops (in case pollen or debris gets into eyes)
- Oral antihistamine (to relieve allergies)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Waterproof matches
- Insect repellent
- Aluminum foam splint
What to Add to Your First-Aid Kit for an Amusement Park
Sometimes you have only one day to take your family on a summer adventure. In these cases, amusement parks are a great go-to. With rides, games, and entertainment for all ages, parks are equipped with everything your family needs to enjoy a summer day. Although some parks have designated first-aid stations, bringing your own basic kit doesn’t hurt. Here are additional necessities that will come in handy when you’re faced with the unpredictable.
- Sunscreen
- Ziplock bags (to protect food, cellphones, and other items from getting wet or lost. These also come in handy for wet items after hitting the water park rides)
- Inexpensive ponchos (to keep dry in inclement weather)
- Refillable water bottles (to ensure you never run out of water and you avoid the park’s water bottle prices)
- Misters (to cool off when standing in lines and to avoid overheating)