Minor injuries, from paper cuts to bloody noses to splinters, are part of our everyday lives. Planning ahead with a well-stocked family first aid kit ensures you have the supplies to quickly and effectively treat minor injuries or provide first aid for more serious injuries while you wait for help to arrive.

What Do I Need in My Family First Aid Kit?

First aid kits can be sold as a complete set with everything you need, but you can also assemble one with your own supplies.

Your family first aid kit should include:

• Emergency contact information
• 25 adhesive bandages of assorted sizes
• Sterile gauze pads in small and large sizes for wound dressing
• Adhesive tape
• Roller and triangular bandages to hold dressings in place or create an arm sling
• Antiseptic wipes or soap
• Instant ice packs
• Disposable, non-latex gloves
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Packets of aspirin
• Antibiotic ointment
• Eye patches
• Oral thermometer
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Emergency blanket
• Safety pins
• Barrier devices, such as pocket masks or a face shield
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen or pencil and a pad of paper
• Emergency first aid instructions

Where Should I Store My Family First Aid Kit?

Ideally, you should have at least two first aid kits: one in your home and one in your car for on-the-go emergencies. If you own a cottage, a boat, or other home or vehicle, you should also keep kits in these places.

First aid kits should be stored in a dry place to protect supplies from moisture and contamination. Supplies should be replaced periodically, as they are used and expire. Most supplies have an expiration date printed on the box.

How to Use Your First Aid Kit for Common Injuries

Before administering first aid to minor injuries, wash your hands with soap and water to avoid spreading bacteria. If you don’t have access to hand-washing facilities, use hand sanitizer.

Cuts and Scrapes

• With a clean cloth or gauze pad from your kit, apply pressure to the cut to stop the bleeding.
• Once bleeding has stopped, rinse the cut under cool water and gently wash around it with soap.
• Avoid getting soap in the cut, and don’t use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as this can irritate the cut and delay healing.
• Remove dirt and debris from the cut using your tweezers (sanitize them with alcohol first).
• Apply a topical antibiotic and a bandage if the cut may get dirty or rub against clothing.

Splinters

• Wash the skin around the splinter with soap and water.
• With sanitized tweezers, grab the end of the splinter and pull it out at the same angle that it went into your skin.
• Wash the skin again with soap and water to prevent infection.

Minor Burns

• Some burns are more serious than others. For first-degree burns, the skin may swell, turn red, and be painful to the touch. If your burns blister or appear white or charred, visit urgent care, as these are signs of more serious burns that should be treated by a doctor.
• For minor burns, the burned area should be placed under cool water for at least 5 minutes to reduce swelling.
• Apply antibiotic cream or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin and reduce pain.
• If pain persists, take acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve).

If you’re ever in doubt about the severity of your injury, visit an urgent care center for proper assessment and treatment.

When Should I Visit Urgent Care?

Sometimes, addressing minor injuries with your first aid kit is enough. But how can you tell when an injury needs the attention of a medical professional?

You should visit an urgent care center (such as Lincoln Urgent Care or Granite Bay Urgent Care) when you have an injury or illness that needs immediate treatment but is not a life-threatening emergency. This could include minor cuts that need stitches, sprains, strains, dislocations, broken bones, minor allergic reactions or asthma flare-ups, nausea, vomiting, the flu, and ear, nose, and throat problems.

At Lincoln Urgent Care and Granite Bay Urgent Care, we’re equipped to handle most injuries and illnesses. We can take X-rays, perform on-site lab testing, prescribe medication for common ailments, and provide the same level of care you would expect from a family physician. If you’re unsure whether you should visit our clinic, give us a call, and our friendly staff will be happy to advise you.

When Should I Go to the Emergency Department?

Emergency departments handle life-threatening emergencies, such as heart attack, stroke, severe pain, or uncontrolled bleeding.

If you’re experiencing more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, seizures, sudden, severe headache, paralysis, or severe abdominal pain, you should visit your nearest hospital emergency department. Additionally, compound fractures and head injuries are best treated at the ER.

Visit Lincoln Urgent Care and Granite Bay Urgent Care for Prompt, Affordable Medical Care

Don’t go to the ER for non-life-threatening injuries – visit Lincoln Urgent Care or Granite Bay Urgent Care for affordable and timely care. We’re committed to providing you with the same high standard of care and professionalism as you would expect from your family physician. Visit one of our clinics today for quick assessment and treatment.

Lincoln Urgent Care (916) 258-2751
Granite Bay Urgent Care (916) 570-7265