We were on a mission trip in inner city St. Louis surrounded by concrete and steel. In this setting having one of our 7th graders come down with a severe case of poison ivy seemed impossible. Yet that’s what happened. You probably have your own medical emergency story and know the value of having some special first aid supplies close at hand. So what items should you gather for a mission trip, a church outing, vacation Bible school, or just for typical church activities?
Below is a list of items that should be contained in a first aid kit (source includes: Mayo Clinic, the Boy Scouts of America, & the U.S. Department of Homeland Security). In addition to these items, think through any specific needs that you might have based on the kinds of activities you are going to be doing and the places you are going to be located. Along with the kit, have a list of Emergency Contacts (names, facility, address and phone numbers) with each first aid kit. Be sure these are up-to-date.
Basic First Aid Kit Supplies:
• At least Two(2) pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex)
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding and cover wound (including triangular bandages)
• Cleansing agent (Rubbing alcohol, hydrogen Peroxide) and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
• Burn ointment
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• 1” Adhesive Tape
• Roll of elastic wrap (e.g. 1”, 2”)
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontiminant
• Thermometer
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Safety pins in assorted sizes
• A Needle
• Turkey baster or other bulb suction device for flushing out a wound
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Instance Ice Pack
• Instant Heat Pack
• Cotton Balls and Cotton Tipped Swabs
• Duct Tape
• Eye Goggles
• First Aid Manual
• Plastic Bags for Disposal of materials
• Hand Sanatizer
• Benadryl
• Sinus Decongestants
• Antacid (for upset stomach)
• Laxative
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Calamine Lotion
• Syrup of Ipecac
• Non-prescription drugs: Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
• Hydrocortizone cream
• Flashlight
• Matches or a Lighter
• Pencil and Paper
• Drinking Cups
• Blanket
• Tongue Blades/Depressors
Finally, it is helpful to keep a list of the items that are to be in the kit in a separate location. This list needs to be compared regularly with what is actually still in the kit. Also check expiration dates on medicines and supplies. You may want to designate someone to keep track of the first aid kit(s), and set a particular schedule for them to be checked.
June 11, 2010