What to pack in a summer first aid kit

Basic Medical Essentials for Any First Aid Kit 

Even in summer, you need the core first aid supplies that handle everyday cuts, scrapes, and other minor ailments. Make sure your kit includes these medical essentials: 

• Bandages and Dressings: Stock plenty of adhesive bandages in assorted sizes and shapes for covering cuts and blisters. Include a few butterfly closure strips for holding the edges of a cut together until you can get stitches if needed. Add sterile gauze pads (various sizes) and a roll of medical tape to dress larger wounds that bandages won’t cover. These basics will help stop bleeding and protect wounds from dirt. 

• Antiseptic Wipes and Ointment: Pack an antiseptic solution or wipes (for example, povidone-iodine swabs or alcohol pads) to clean cuts and scrapes and prevent infection. Follow up with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin or Bacitracin) on cleaned wounds to help them heal faster and stay germ-free. Cleaning and disinfecting wounds promptly is key to avoiding complications. 

• Tools – Tweezers, Scissors, and Gloves: A good pair of tweezers is indispensable for removing splinters, ticks, or insect stingers. Include a small, blunt-tip medical scissors for cutting gauze, tape or clothing if you need to expose a wound. Also throw in several pairs of disposable gloves (preferably non-latex). Gloves protect you and the injured person from blood or bodily fluids, and help keep wounds clean. 

• Pain Relief and Fever Care: Bring some pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help with headaches, pain or fever. For adults, these can be tablets, but include a children’s liquid version if you have kids (more on that in the kid-friendly section). It’s also wise to pack a thermometer (a digital one, not glass) to check for fevers or heat-related illness; a thermometer can help you tell if someone might be developing an infection or heat exhaustion. 

• Elastic Bandage and Cold Compress: Keep an ACE-style elastic bandage wrap on hand for twists, sprains or securing splints. An elastic wrap can reduce swelling and also serve to hold a cold pack in place on an injury. Speaking of which, include at least one instant cold pack that activates with a shake or squeeze. These disposable ice packs give quick relief for bumps, bruises, sprains or even insect bites, and they can stay in your kit for a long time unused. 

Summer-Specific Must-Haves 

Summer fun introduces some special first aid needs – think sun, bugs, heat, and water. Augment your kit with these warm-weather essentials to handle common summer ailments: 

• Sunscreen (Sun Protection): Always pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) in your summer kit. Sunburn is one of the most frequent summer injuries! Use sunscreen on all exposed skin and reapply regularly, especially if swimming or sweating. Remember to check the expiration date on your sunscreen; an expired bottle won’t protect you properly from harmful UV rays. 

• Aloe Vera Gel and Burn Relief: For those times when sunburn does happen, aloe vera gel is a summer first aid superstar. It cools and soothes sunburned skin and minor burns. You can also include a burn relief cream or spray with lidocaine to numb pain from sunburns or minor heat burns (like touching a hot grill). Applying aloe or a burn gel can ease discomfort and help skin heal. Keep these in your kit so you’re ready to treat sunburns on the spot. 

• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs are more than just annoying – they can carry diseases or cause allergic reactions. Pack an effective insect repellent (bug spray with DEET or picaridin) and use it before outdoor activities to prevent bites. Pay special attention to ankles and legs, as one doctor notes that applying repellent around your ankles can help fend off mosquitoes and ticks that lurk in grass. If you’re carrying spray in your kit, you might keep it in a zip-top bag to avoid leaks. Replace any old or expired repellent each season, since expired bug spray won’t work well. 

• Bite and Sting Relief: Despite prevention, bites and stings happen – so include some anti-itch and allergy remedies. Hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can calm the itch and irritation from mosquito bites, bee stings, or brushing against poison ivy. For painful stings or itchy rashes, a numbing spray containing lidocaine can give quick pain relief (many first aid kits include a sting relief wipe or spray). In addition, pack some antihistamine tablets (e.g. diphenhydramine/Benadryl) in case of swelling or allergic reactions to insect bites or plant contact. Tip: If you or a family member has a known severe allergy (for example, to bee stings), be sure to include an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and an antihistamine in your kit. These can stop a serious allergic reaction – just remember to keep medications out of direct heat (don’t leave them in a hot car) so they stay effective. 

By following these maintenance tips, your summer first aid kit will remain a reliable tool for keeping your family safe. With the right supplies on hand and a little knowledge, you can quickly tend to most minor summer mishaps – from skinned knees and sunburn to headaches and bug bites – and get back to enjoying the sunshine. Stay safe and have a wonderful summer!