Do you bring a first aid kit with you when you head out on an outdoor adventure with your kids? Before The Little Explorer’s run in with a rock on the river a couple of years ago, I didn’t give it much thought. Since then, I don’t leave home without one.
We actually have several first aid kits, depending on the adventure. I had no trouble finding pre-made kits for camping and earthquake preparedness. But gathering the first aid essentials for a day hike or other half-day outdoor adventure was another story. Which is why in the end I created my very own first aid kit for outdoor adventures with kids.
DIY First Aid Kit
First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. You can buy one from your local drug store or outdoor retailer, or make your own. I opted to start with a pre-made basic first aid kit, then added to it to meet our family’s specific needs.
The trick is to include enough to cover the basics without carrying the kitchen sink. Our outdoor adventures usually don’t take us that far from civilization (and an emergency room), so I pack accordingly.
Here are some items to consider including in a first aid kit for outdoor adventures with kids:
- Adhesive bandages (in several sizes)
- A gauze pad or two, tape & bandage scissors
- Moleskin
- Elastic bandage
- Antibacterial ointment
- Children’s allergy melts
- Ibuprofen & acetaminophen tablets (as needed for kids & adults)
- Any personal medications needed in an emergency (such as an EpiPen, insulin or the like)
- Tweezers (for removing splinters)
- Nail clippers (for removing hangnails & broken nails)
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Snacks (more than you think you’ll need!)
- Extra water
- Hand wipes
- Plastic trash bag or zip-top bag (for disposing of barf or poop)
- Cloth diaper or other soft, absorbent cloth (great for applying pressure to a wound or absorbing blood from a cut)
- Cell phone (preferably one that’s charged & has reliable reception)
- Flashlight (with batteries)
- Bear spray*
- Snake bite kit*
* As needed in your area
Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure to restock it regularly. Summer is the perfect time to check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date items. Then pack it in your bag and don’t leave home without it!
Thanks for the recommendation, Jess. I think there's no harm in being over prepared, especially if you can keep everything is a fairly compact case or container.
Great list! I often take my kids on short hikes or nature walks, and we've even spent a few nights camping. If I had to add to this list, I'd throw in some saran-wrap (great for thoroughly covering up scrapes) and these <a href="http://www.saveritemedical.com/product/coverlet-fabric-adhesive-dressing-4in-x-2-3-4in.html" rel="nofollow">coverlet adhesive dressing</a> that I swear by. Most
Thanks for the suggestion, Linda. We'll have to check it out. 🙂
LOL – I had to look this one up, too. It's not something you make, it's something you buy. Seems it's a venom extractor tool (see http://www.campmor.com/the-extractor-snake-bee-spider-other-bites.shtml?source=CI&ci_sku=81296&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=). There is debate about whether or not it's actually worth carrying. The best advice if someone is bitten by a snake is to seek
I'm dying to know – what's in a snake bite kit? We've started some real hiking (and even though I hate them, I know there are snakes but I don't admit it to myself while we're there 😉 What should we have in it? Wonderful list!
I like to have lavender essential oil on hand. It's amazing at relieving the pain from bee stings, and also takes the itch out of mosquito bites. A whiff of it may help relieve anxiety for a child with a scrubbed up knee (mine freaks out whenever he sees blood).
Sounds like you're well prepared out there. I can't believe I forgot to mention tissue – I often leave home without it & always seem to need it.
Hi Lu! It's lovely to "meet" you here! 🙂 <br /><br />Glad to hear about expiration dates. I knew that was true of certain food items, but didn't know the same applied to certain meds. I'll have to check out QuickClot, too.
Great list — and much more than I ever take. (Though I usually just stuff my pockets instead of carrying a pack!) I have a big kit in the car, but on a nature walk I have band aids, a cortisone cream (because we all get big reactions to mosquito bites) and QuickClot in case of big bleeding injuries. <br /><br />I don't tend to worry much about expiration dates. I've heard that most stuff
thanks for the list, this is quite extensive. I always have neosporin spray and bands aids with me, even when we take a walk around the block, plus issues and hand wipes or sanitizing gel. And then there is always water on hand! I have another kit in the car, as well as one in my backpack and regular bag, you never know! thanks for the reminder to check expiration dates.