Summer is almost here, it's time to plan out those summer trips and family vacations. In your planning, do not forget your medical emergency kits. Summer vacations are relaxing and full of fun activities for everyone, but they can also create potential risks. Be prepared for any unexpected illnesses or injuries by building out your summer first aid kit in advance. Not all first aid kits are alike! First Aid kits can be made for any outing or activity in any location. First aid kits should be filled with all the items necessary for your specific needs. Consider the trips & activities scheduled, seasonal risk factors, and restocking older kits when planning for summer first aid packs this year.
[Insert Video] - Tips to Staying Safe this Summer
Summer Trips & Activities that Need First Aid Kits
It may be best to build a custom kit that will suit all traveling needs this summer. If multiple getaways and outings are planned then one big all-encompassing kit might be a simpler solution. Another option, if you’d like to pack lighter, is to assemble first aid kits for each adventure you take.
Some activities to build kits for this summer:
- RV Road Trips
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Zip Lining
- Canoeing & Kayaking
- Horseback Riding
- Biking
- Skateboarding
- Rollerblading
- Surfing
- Wakeboarding
- Scuba Diving
- Kite Surfing
- Whitewater rafting
- Playground Play
- Consider a small travel size to fit in your bag when taking younger kids to the park.
- Theme Park Trips
- Disney, Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios
- ● Swimming
- Backyard BBQ’s
- Basic home first aid kit that includes burn treatment and insect repellents
- Extreme outdoor sports
- Hang gliding, mountain climbing
- Camping
- Tailor your first aid kit to the camping environment you will be in. (beach, lake, mountains, desert)
Seasonal Risks
In addition to assessing any potential illnesses and injuries based on your travel this summer, you should also consider seasonal risks. Outdoor activities in the summer are vastly different from outdoor activities in the winter. Weather and climate can vary greatly which not only alter your events but also your elemental exposure. (IE: Emergency heat blankets are most likely not going to be needed in your summer first aid kit.) Consider a pre-built outdoor kit or assembling a custom kit keeping seasonality in mind.
Some first aid essentials for the summer season:
- Adhesive Tape & Elastic Bandages
- Most summer outings include some type of water activity. Select waterproof tape and bandages to add to your kit.
- Alcohol Pads & Antibiotic ointment
- If your summer plans include hiking, running, skating, biking, or skateboarding, you will want to have plenty of alcohol pads to clean any cuts and scrapes before bandaging up.
- Sunscreen
- It is important to have proper sunscreen to protect yourself from getting burned and your overall skin health. Consider at least an SPF 30 waterproof sunscreen to add to your kit.
- Insect Repellents
- If you are hiking, hunting, or other activities in the woods, make sure to get one that also repels ticks.
- Dramamine
- If you are planning on a boating adventure, consider adding dramamine to your first aid toolkit.
- Benadryl
- This powerful frontline treatment not only helps lessen allergic reactions to bug bites & stings but also aids in seasonal allergies.
- Hydrocortisone cream
- This is a must-have for any summer emergency medical kit providing itch relief from bug bites as well as rashes from poisonous plants like Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Sumac.
- Rx’s & EpiPen
- Remember to pack your RX’s and an EpiPen for those in your party that may need it.
- Water
- Often overlooked, water is an essential item to pack in your first aid kit for summer activities. Staying hydrated will help prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Pack enough for your whole party.
Restocking First Aid Kits
This is a great time of year to go through any current emergency kits to ensure they are properly stocked and in good condition. Many items in emergency kits have an expiration date that is typically 3-5 years after their manufacture date. There may also be some items that have become damaged by frequent use, exposure to the air or moisture. Take note of items that are running low, are completely out, or need to be added in. (IE: There may have been an emergency situation in the previous year where a specific item was needed and not available.) It is best practice to replenish first aid supplies right after full use so that your kit is complete at all times.
Some common medical emergency supplies with expiration dates:
- Adhesive Bandages
- Sterile Cleansing Wipes
- Gloves
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Pain Relievers
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Hydrocortisone Cream
- Israeli style bandages
- Burn Bandages
- Instant Ice Packs
- Sting & Bite kits
No matter what amazing vacation is planned with family or friends this summer, it will be made better with a well-thought-out and well-curated emergency medical kit. Relaxing and enjoying these special trips with loved ones is easier when we have what we need in case of the unexpected.
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