For example, you might use an old lunchbox for the kit. If you’re making a first aid kit for your child to bring on school trips, make sure it’s small enough to fit in their backpack or gear bag. If you are making a kit to keep at home, be sure it won’t be too big or cumbersome for your child to pull the kit from wherever it is stored. Only teach your child to use the kit if you think they’re responsible enough to understand. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Consider using a container that has a handle to make it easier for the child to transport it from one place to another. Make sure the container is not made of anything that will be too heavy for the child to lift once it is full of first aid items. Translucent containers will make it easier to keep track of items that need to be replaced. Look for a waterproof container so that none of the items inside get damaged.
Try to find a container that has the same type of clasp found on children’s lunch boxes. Since the kit will probably not be used very often, it is also a good idea to practice opening this lock with your child so they remember how to open it in an emergency. Don’t teach your child to use the kit until you think they’re ready to use it responsibly.
It is important to label the children’s kit so it is distinct from an adults’ first aid kit. For example, also label the kit with the child’s name (e. g. , KATIE’S FIRST AID KIT). Consider keeping the adult first aid kit high up where it can’t be accessed by the children in the house, and be sure it has a more advanced lock or clasp on it so it is childproof. This is because your adult first aid kit will likely contain supplies that aren’t appropriate for a child, such as medicated ointments. Teach your child to only use their first aid kit.
Consider including a small icon or picture for each location or person. This will help your child easily locate the number they need in a stressful emergency situation. Review the icons and the list of numbers with the children who will use the kit so that they are aware of which contact is which, and how to dial the numbers, and who to call in certain situations. Although it’s unlikely your child will need the information, it’s best to teach them how to use it in case of emergency. In most cases, your child will use their kit to find a bandaid, but it’s best to be prepared.
Consider the age of your child. For example, a kit for a child who’s 5-10 years-old might include mostly bandaids, antiseptic towelettes, and possibly instant cold packs. However, a kit for a pre-teen or teen might also be stocked with medicated ointment, sterile gauze, medical tape, an ACE bandage, a thermometer, eye wash, calamine lotion, aloe vera gel, and cough drops. If your child takes a medication and knows how to administer it themselves, you might include it in the kit.
2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches) 25 adhesive bandages of various sizes 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3”) 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4”) Gauze roll Roll of cloth adhesive tape One 3” wide and one 4” wide roller bandages (“ACE bandage”) for wrapping wrist, elbow, ankle, and knee injuries 2 triangular bandages Sterile cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
Small, sharp scissors with rounded, child-safe tips Tweezers, for removing splinters and such 2 pairs of non-latex gloves Non-mercury oral thermometer CPR breathing barrier mask (with one-way valve), if they’re trained in CPR Instant cold compress Instant hot pack Hand sanitizer 5 antiseptic wipe packets or antiseptic spray (for external cleaning only) Zip-close plastic bags (to dispose of medical waste)
Sterile drinking water Eye protection Sterile eyewash Prepackaged space (warming) blanket Aluminum finger splint Safety pins (to easily fasten splints and bandages) Antibiotic ointment (ones containing ingredients such as bacitracin or mupirocin) Calamine lotion (for stings or poison ivy) Hydrocortisone cream, ointment, or lotion (for itching) Flashlight and extra batteries Turkey baster or other suction device (for flushing out wounds while on road trips or while camping)
Low-dose pain and fever medicines, such as children’s Tylenol Antacids to treat upset stomach Small doses of any prescription medications taken by the child/children Epinephrine autoinjector (if necessary)
Tell your child to notify you or another adult if they use the kit, especially if they or their friend is injured. If an adult is available, encourage them to ask for help.
