With all the talk of Summer; Bugs, Sunburns and Injuries, I am asked…What do you suggest that I carry in a First Aid Kit, Sue?
I must laugh because my husband always used to say, “Can we just get going?”
Of course, he was referring to the fact that the kids were all ready and getting antsy, to go on our hike or bike ride or were already loaded in the boat while I was still scrambling, trying to make sure that my first aid kit was complete… finding of course, that it wasn’t, because someone had used the last bandage or taken the last of the Phenocane…….
Every Mother’s scenario, right?
So, why don’t we have list in the lid of our little bag that states that the last person using this bag MUST check off that which he has used?
And What are the most important items to be carried for any possible injury or illness when out and about?
Really, this is the ultimate question!
My kids still laugh and talk about how I was always prepared. There was rarely a time when I didn’t have something that couldn’t be improvised to help in a particular emergency or in an injury situation.
In my experience, you want to pack items that can be used for multiple scenarios.
I’ve listed a few of my favorite items.
The problem is expense; all of my suggested items, gathered together for what I call a pretty complete little first aid kit will cost over $100.00. Of course, it’s worth it to have this very mobile kit on hand for family adventures.
There are a few homeopathic remedies for emergency situations, that you shouldn’t leave home without.
Tissue Sprain Remedies – These remedies are good for Trauma, bruising, cuts, scapes, inflammation, poison ivy, etc. in acute situations (Arnica, Hypericum, Bryonia, Rhus-tox., Ruta Grav, Symphytum)
Bug Bite Remedies – For Bites & Stings, puncture wounds. (Apis, Ledum) These remedies are great to have on hand for acute situations.
Aconite 200c – Homeopathic Remedy – Shock, Exposure, Fright.
Apis – High Potency (like 200c) is recommended to address possible Anaphylactic Shock or Sunburn.
Arsenicum – For any situation that toxic poisoning may have taken place, for actual poisoning or when someone “feels” that they’ve been exposed to something they shouldn’t have been exposed to.
Belladonna 30c – In the event of possible viral exposure or illness/fever, that comes on quickly.
Carbo veg. 30c – A wonderful remedy when the lack of oxygen or lack of reaction in the patient is prominent.
Nux Vomica 30c – The “Too Much” remedy. Literally too much of anything, food, drink, play, etc.
Senna 6c – Constipation, esp. while traveling.
Poison Ivy Soap – After hiking in the woods, this soap may help neutralize recent exposure to Poison Ivy/oak., Or help with effects of poison ivy/oak outbreak.
Poison Ivy Cream – May aid in ridding the effects of poison ivy/oak.
All Natural Bug spray – Any All Natural Bug spray should be carried for times that bugs are encountered. Many homemade concoctions are very efficient. Honest brand is also very good.
Lavender Essential Oil – for use internally or externally to cleanse wounds or injuries; can be used directly on ulcers, teething gums, rashes, canker sores, etc. one or two drops directly to area, works to numb and kill bacteria efficiently; without suppressing symptoms or homeopathic treatment.
Aloe Vera / Blend – is a favorite for persons with severe sunburn. I love the Oremus cream (not available online, only in our store) for injuries and minor sunburn, but I also have seen the miracles of Aloe Vera gel. Very often I add Calendula and Hypericum tincture and Lavender Essential Oil to the Aloe for a perfect blend of Healing Miracle! This blend smeared gently over the sunburned area brings instant pain relief and often brings complete healing by morning. A 4 oz. bottle can treat two persons quite efficiently.
First Aid Cream– a wonderful organic First Aid Cream for minor cuts and abrasions, or burns. Ingredients: Beeswax, olive oil infused with calendula flower, coconut oil and lavender oil.
Ankle Wrap – an important item to have in any kit. Great for wrapping ankles or joints; Sprains, strains, wounds that need a bandage to stay in place; or can be unwound to be used as a sling or tie.
Bandages –For injuries or wounds; 4×4 gauze
Charcoal Capsules – super to have on hand if bad water or food has been consumed. Charcoal swallowed with water, will pull toxins from the system and pull them safely from the body, expelling them through natural means.
Phenocane Anti-Inflammatory Capsules – The only anti-inflammatory that I ever recommend… Very often the pain is so intense that the body may have trouble beginning the healing process; that is one of the reasons I recommend Phenocane. It starts the anti-inflammatory process so efficiently that the body can then read the homeopathic remedy to begin healing. (The wonderful world of natural medicine! I Love it!)
* I tell folks that if this doesn’t work; the issue isn’t inflammation
Scissors, nail clipper, jack-knife or all three – A good Jack knife is key for survival. Explanation to lengthy for this space!
Wet Ones – Ha! One of the best inventions Ever! Can be used to clean wounds, wash the body when no clean water is available, to clean wounds when needed or even as emergency Toilet paper!
Zip ties – these take up literally no room in your first aid kit…3 or 4 should be carried.
And One of My Favorites! Boy Scout Trick #1 _ Shoe Goo….can literally be used to fix your shoes, mend the tent, and can be used as fuel to start a fire, even in the pouring rain! (just squeeze 1-2 inches out onto a twig and light for an even, steady burn which easily ignites wet wood)
*For a more extended hike, the Life Straw should be added. (this is a charcoal filter unit that can filter stream or lake water through a straw for emergency drinking water.
*Food- Non-disintegrating food, such as nuts or other dried food, that doesn’t take up bulk space, for emergency situations.
There are so many more suggestions that can be added to your families’ first aid kit.
But I’ve found that if you have the above items, you can pretty much tackle any small emergency.
Wishing you and your family a fun, safe, and healthy summer!
May God Bless You and Yours,
Sue Meyer, ND, CCH, CEASE, CST, SpBAP
Check out Sue's 2 Part Podcast Series on Bugs, Bites and Stings. Great information to have as you begin your outdoor Summer adventures! FREE Handout also available!
