There's nothing more fun than a summer beach vacation. Unfortunately, the warm weather of an Outer Banks summer can mean certain health and safety risks. This shouldn't stop you from having a good time! Being as prepared as possible is the best way to handle an emergency situation. So, take some time to dust off your old first aid kit and update it with things you'll need specifically for summer injuries that may occur. You should always have a travel kit prepared to bring along on your Outer Banks vacation.
Here's everything you'll need for a summer safety first-aid kit:
- A waterproof case (moisture can damage many of your supplies)
- Sanitizing wipes to clean your hands before attending to the person in need
- Gloves toprevent the spread of infection (avoid Latex if possible for latex-sensitive skin)
- Antiseptic towelettes to clean out scrapes and cuts
- Neosporin or other cream to prevent infection
- Bandages of all sizes and types including band-aids, gauze, and adhesive tape for cuts and blisters
- Tweezers and a sterile needle for splinters
- Instant ice packs for inflammation
- Cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Vaseline
- Saline solution to clean out eyes
- Small doses of over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Advil, Pepto-Bismol tablets, Dramamine, and Benadryl for allergic reactions
- Include children's versions of the above, if applicable - such as baby and children's pain relievers, prescribed medications, Benadryl spray, a syringe or medicine cup for administering medications, and baby wipes.
- Thermometer
- Disposable mask
- Bug spray to prevent bites
- Sunscreen to prevent burns
- Hydrocortisonecream for rashes and bug bites
- Tea tree oil to treat poison ivy
- Aloe vera gel to help soothe a sunburn
- Ear drops such as Aqua Ear or Swim Ear, sold without a prescription, can help prevent the infection swimmer's ear (but talk to your doctor first, especially if you're prone to the problem).
- Personal items that your family is bound to need. Examples include baby products, allergy and asthma medications, motion sickness medication, and an Epi-Pen.
- Consider adding an easy to comprehend first aid manual
Tips:
- Store your summer first aid kit where it can be easily reached in an emergency, but not so accessible that a child can get into it. You also want to keep it out of the direct sunlight to avoid overheating the medications inside.
- Check the contents of your summer first aid kit periodically, and replace all medications that are out of date. Make sure to do this before you head out for vacation so you are not stuck at a beach house without the items you need.
