Whether you’re on a road trip, at the park, camping, hiking or biking, summer is a great time to try a new activity or visit a new place.
No matter what is on your summer activity list, it’s always a good idea to play it safe and pack a first aid kit to have on hand for those unique summer injuries.
“Common summer injuries include scrapes, bites and stings, sprains, splinters and sunburns,” said Joe Cimino, pharmacist at Zehrs Fergus.
“The change of season is a great time to take inventory and re-stock your first aid kit with items specific to the season’s hazards.”
Cimino’s team recommends including the following items in your summer first aid kit:
– various sized adhesive bandages to cover scrapes and keep them clean;
– antiseptic topical spray, antibiotic cream or ointment to keep scrapes and cuts clean;
– hydrocortisone cream to stop inflammation;
– oral antihistamines to stop swelling and itching;
-tweezers and scissors to remove splinters, small rocks or gravel from scrapes, ticks that have attached to the skin or to cut bandages;
-alcohol wipes for disinfecting scrapes and tools (tweezers);
– a soft cloth to use as a compress and aloe vera gel or lotion to help relieve sunburn pain;
– analgesics (acetaminophen or ibuprofen);
– anti-nausea medication especially if you’re going on long car rides or boats;
– latex-free protective gloves;
– instant cold pack;
– thermometer; and
– any prescription drugs you or your family take, including an epinephrine auto-injector for severe allergies.
If you have any questions or need help to put together your summer first aid kit, visit your local pharmacy and talk with the staff for your best options.
