Darrick Robles Whether you’re enjoying the rest of the summer traveling or exploring your own local area, these 12 remedies and materials should be in every first aid kit this summer.
Life doesn’t always go according to plan – especially when young children are a part of your life. Therefore, it is advisable to get a first aid kit and to equip yourself with the essentials so that you are prepared for common summer ailments, minor injuries and possible allergic reactions.
Of course, there are also ready-made first-aid kits that contain the most important things such as plasters, alcohol swabs and an antiseptic ointment. But it’s also very easy to put together your own first aid kit. This way you can tailor the set to your individual needs and activities.
These things should not be missing in any first aid kit
A waterproof bag with a drawstring that you can hang over your shoulder or over a buggy is the best way to store all your materials within easy reach and safely.
1. water
You probably won’t find it in prepackaged kits: a bottle of water. Water is often the first thing you need to flush a fresh wound, wash away an irritant, or distract from the discomfort. In addition, water also prevents dehydration and helps rehydration—especially when combined with electrolyte solutions (see below). It also helps with gastrointestinal complaints , sunburn or heat stroke.
2. Sunscreen
Prevention is always the best policy. Therefore, when choosing a sunscreen, make sure that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Which sun protection factor (SPF) is the right one depends on the intensity of the UV radiation and your skin type. Ideally, you should reapply it every 2 hours. You can find out more about sun protection here .
3. Hand Sanitizer
Regular use of a hand sanitizer gel or wipes is essential if you can’t wash your hands regularly when you’re out and about. Use the disinfectant before eating or after touching heavily used surfaces such as handrails or railings. Make sure to choose products that work against both bacteria and viruses.
4. Bandages and Plasters
Add a selection of sterile gauze, elastic bandages and waterproof band-aids to your first aid kit. Transparent film bandages can also be a useful addition. These act as a second skin and are great for abrasions and awkward but accident-prone areas like knees and elbows. Butterfly bandages, also known as wound closure strips, are useful for deep cuts.
5. Insect repellent
Mosquitoes, ticks and other pests are not only annoying, but can even transmit dangerous pathogens to humans in some areas. It is therefore advisable to always carry an insect repellent with you. The WHO therefore recommends the use of a repellent with the highly effective and tried and tested active ingredient DEET, especially in risk areas. How long the protection is effective depends on the concentration of the active ingredient.
6. Antiseptic ointment
To clean fresh wounds and insect bites, the antiseptic ointment should also find a place in your first aid kit.
7. Tweezers and tick removal tool
Tweezers are particularly useful for removing a splinter. Ticks can be removed most easily with a tick card or with a tick snare. But tweezers can also be helpful in an emergency. You just have to make sure that you grab the tick by its head when removing it and do not press on the body. You can find out what else you need to know about ticks and how to remove them here .
8. A small pair of scissors
You will need them to cut bandages. It is also useful for trimming nails, e.g. B. a fingernail tears.
9. Cooling spray or gel
To reduce pain and inflammation, muscle strains and sprains should be cooled as soon as possible. If you don’t have ice or a cold pack handy, you can use a cooling spray or gel. Note that some of these products are not suitable for young children. So take a look at the instructions for use first. In this case, a damp cloth or a damp towel can also help. Use an elastic bandage to help the injury heal, elevate the affected body part, and rest for at least 48 hours.
10. Painkillers
For example, if you’re prone to frequent headaches , it’s a good idea to always have some of your usual painkillers with you. In addition to anti-inflammatory drugs, it may also be advisable to carry fever-reducing painkillers.
11. Antihistamines
Antihistamine tablets are useful for calming allergies and insect bites. Note that some of them can cause drowsiness.
12. Electrolyte Solutions
Typically, electrolyte solutions are a combination of sugar and salts, available in convenient sachets. They help to rehydrate the body, e.g. B. after vomiting , diarrhea , sunstroke or heat exhaustion. Note that when suffering from heat stroke or exhaustion, it is important to cool the patient as quickly as possible.
Do you need medical advice?
Med-Healths can help you with minor injuries or acute ailments that you cannot alleviate with home remedies. Our doctors make an individual assessment and can issue you or your child a prescription, sick leave or school certificate or a referral to a specialist practice if necessary.
