Children's Hospital of Wisconsin logo   spacing image
About Children's Hospital and Health Systemspacing image
Quick Links for:
spacing imageHealth Care Professionalsspacing image
    Search:
                          
Horizontal stripes
spacing imageHomeHealth InformationFind a DoctorMaps & DirectionsGiving & VolunteeringNews & CalendarResearchCommunity ProgramsGift ShopCareersspacing image

  Choose a Condition or Topic
 
 
Side navigation, highlighted area, top left Side navigation, highlighted area, top center Side navigation, highlighted area, top right
  Disorders, Diseases and Organ Topics
 
Side navigation, highlighted area, bottom left Side navigation, highlighted area, bottom center Side navigation, highlighted area, bottom right
 
  Programs & Clinics
 
  Request an appointment
 
  Patient Handouts/ Teaching Sheets
 
  Treating Common Childhood Ailments
 
  Health & Safety Tips
 
  Online Library
 
  CaringBridge Patient Web Sites
 
spacing image
spacing image spacing image E-mail this page E-mail this page     Print this page Print this page
spacing image spacing image

First-Aid Kit

Regardless of how careful you and your child are, injuries are bound to occur now and then. When they do, it is good to be prepared with a well-stocked first-aid kit.

It is important to check your kit regularly to restock items that have been used and replace items that are out-of-date.

The contents of your kit will vary depending on the number of people in your family and the way you intend to use it. Suggested contents of a first-aid kit include the following:

Instruments:

  • Bulb syringe.
  • Scissors.
  • Thermometer (oral and rectal).
  • Tweezers.

Bandages:

  • Adhesive tape.
  • Butterfly bandages.
  • Cotton swabs.
  • Elastic bandages.
  • Hypoallergenic tape.
  • Sling (triangular shaped cloth).
  • Sterile cotton balls.
  • Sterile eye patches.
  • Sterile gauze pads (4" x 4").
  • Stretchable gauze roll.
  • Waterproof tape.

Medications:

  • Acetaminophen.
  • Antacid.
  • Antibiotic ointment.
  • Antihistamine.
  • Calamine lotion.
  • Hydrocortisone cream.
  • Ibuprofen.
  • Glucose solution.
  • Medicine for diarrhea.
  • Syrup of ipecac.

Miscellaneous items:

  • Alcohol (70 percent rubbing)
  • Alcohol wipes.
  • Blanket.
  • Candles.
  • Chemical ice packs or ice bag.
  • Chemical hot packs or hot water bottle.
  • Disposable latex gloves.
  • Face mask for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • First-aid book.
  • F.lashlight
  • Hydrogen peroxide.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Insect sting swabs.
  • Matches.
  • Measuring spoons.
  • Paper and pencil.
  • Paper cups.
  • Plastic bags.
  • Soap.
  • Safety pins.
  • Sewing needle.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Tissues.
  • Tongue blades.

You can also use the following everyday items in the event of an emergency:

  • Disposable or cloth diapers for compresses, bandages or padding for splints.
  • Dish towels for bandages or slings.
  • Umbrella, rolled magazine or layered newspaper for use as a splits.

In addition, it is helpful to carry the following items in your car:

  • A large blanket.
  • Gallon-size bottle of water.
  • Flashlight and extra batteries.

If your child or other family member has special medical needs, be sure to carry extra medical supplies when you go on an outing or trip. Some of these items might include the following:

  • An insect allergy kit containing medications to be used by persons allergic to insect stings.
  • Medications, syringes and special equipment or supplies.

Be sure any member of your family who has special needs wears a Medic Alert® bracelet or necklace at all times. Applications are available in most pharmacies.

Click here to view the Online Resources page.

Return to the Injuries and Poisonings Home Page
Return to the Disorders, Diseases and Organ Topics Home Page

spacing image Arrow Back to top
spacing image page footer spacing image
spacing image
spacing image