First aid kit essentials

C HILDREN are prone to accidents, and being in control of the situation when these unfortunate events occur requires preparation. One way to do this is by having a medicine/first aid kit that is designed to treat the various accidents and medical needs of your child.

Paediatrician Dr Anona Griffith, who agrees that it is important for parents to invest in a well-equipped medicine/first aid kit, said that it is important that you always have supplies on hand to treat your child, or at least provide interim support until you can get him/her to the emergency room.

Below Dr Griffith shares a list of supplies that you should consider furnishing your child’s medicine/first aid kit with:

• Cotton wool (swabs and pads).

• Gauze pads.

• Adhesive bandages of varying sizes.

• Pre-packed alcohol swabs are quick and convenient.

• Alcohol, preferably plain clear solution with no additives.

• Hydrogen peroxide solution to clean cuts and bruises.

• Normal saline solution can be used for many different things, for example, cleaning cuts and bruises, and to help remove mucus from “snotty” noses.

• Hand sanitiser.

• Nasal aspirators or burled syringe.

• Measuring cups or spoon to measure medications.

• Scissors, nail clippers and tweezers.

• Thermometer with an extra battery.

• Gentle cleansers and moisturisers for skin care.

• Diaper creams.

• Teething gel and teething rings.

• Washcloths, hairbrush and/or comb.

• Anti-fever and pain medication. Paracetamol is the most common. Ibuprofen should not be given to children under six months even under guidance.

• Antibiotic creams and ointments.

• If a child has a chronic illness requiring medications, some of the required medication can be placed in the medical kit, for example, asthma pumps or inhalers.

Dr Griffith said that it is important that you check the medicine/first aid kit on a regular basis in an effort to assess the viability of contents and to replace them if necessary.

All liquids, solutions, creams and ointments must be well labelled with relevant instructions for use. Instructions and manuals can be wrapped in plastic and placed in an easily accessible section of the kit.

Importantly, Dr Griffith cautioned that optimal care must be taken when deciding where the kit is placed and who has access to it. She said this is particularly crucial because many medications — liquid, cream or ointment — are toxic if ingested or handled inappropriately.

She said that while containers should be childproof and locked away, parents must ensure that they can access the kit at the time of an emergency, therefore, keys, for example, should be placed at a designated place.