On the Go First Aid Kit
It’s officially summer, which means we’re looking for any excuse to spend more time outdoors and soak up some sunshine.
With slightly cooler weather in the mornings and hot weather during the day, it’s the perfect time of year to experience all Mother Nature has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of hiking, camping, going to the beach, or just spending the afternoon at the local park, it’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand.
Depending on how intense your outdoor activities are, you may need different items in your first aid kit. Whatever your plans, here are a few essentials you’ll want in your bag.
First Aid Kit Basics
Unless you’re particularly accident prone, you probably won’t need a hefty first aid kit for your casual summer outings. If you’re planning a simple afternoon at the park or an easy hike, these basics will be your best friend.
- Anesthetic spray or lotion - for itching rashes and insect bites.
- 4" x 4" sterile gauze pads - for covering and cleaning wounds.
- Adhesive bandages (all sizes)
- Polysporin antibiotic cream - to apply to simple wounds
- Oral antihistamine for allergic reactions, itching rashes.
- Safety pins (large and small) - for splinter removal
- Tweezers - for splinter or stinger or tick removal
- Small scissors
Advanced First Aid Kit
The bigger the adventure, the bigger the risk for injury. If you want to go camping, backpacking, or on a more intense hike, consider throwing these additional items in. After all, better safe than sorry.
- Adhesive tape
- 2", 3", and 4" bandages - for wrapping sprained or strained joints, for wrapping gauze on to wounds, for wrapping on splints
- Exam gloves - for infection protection, and can be made into ice packs if filled with water and frozen
- Non Adhesive pads (Telfa) - for covering wounds and burns
- Pocket mask for CPR
- Resealable oven bag - as a container for contaminated articles, can become an ice pack
- Triangular bandage - as a sling, towel, tourniquet
Hopefully you won’t need to use your first aid kit very often (if at all), but it never hurts to carry it around just in case. No matter what items you pack in your first aid kits, Zip Tops are the perfect water resistant, earth-friendly containers to carry everything you need. Happy adventures!
