Once you’re a parent, there’s an ever-increasing need for readily available stocked first-aid kits. It’s a cornerstone of a Parent’s Toolkit and certainly honors the Scout’s primary motto: Be Prepared!

In addition to the first-aid kit recommendations below, we highly recommend that parents and caregivers take basic CPR and First-Aid training, available both online and in person from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and other vetted community outreach programs around Portland.

First-Aid Kit Basics: At Home, In the Car, and On the Go!

Making a first aid kit starts with the basics, all of which can be rounded out depending on your family’s hobbies, vacation destinations, and individual family members’ needs. A stocked first-aid kit can be created in something as small as a candy or breath mint tin (ideal for backpacks and purses – with just enough to handle small stuff) or as large as a backpack or fisherman’s tackle box (recommended for families that hike off-grid or spend time in the backcountry where injuries could be worse or there’s a longer travel time to access professional medical care).

Wherever your adventures may lead you, we’ve got you covered. And, of course, there are always the incidents that go beyond what a first-aid kit can help with, in which case one of our expert triage nurses available via the 24/7 PANW Nurse Advice Line can guide you through your next best steps.

“Ingredients” For a Basic First-Aid Kit

You can certainly assemble your own first-aid kit, but the pre-made options at your local pharmacy or big box store are also a convenient way to get started. Those kits typically contain what we’d consider “the basics,” and families can customize the “ingredients” from there.

A starter first aid kit should have:

• Written information including primary medical care providers, emergency contacts, and any current medications or prescriptions – along with any severe allergy information.
• Adhesive bandages in a few different sizes.
• Antiseptic wipes.
• Gauze and medical tape.
• Individual packets of triple-antibiotic ointment and anti-itch cream.
• Individual packets of over-the-counter NSAID/pain relievers and children’s tylonol (acetaminophen).
• At least two pairs of non-latex gloves.

In most cases, a simple kit like this is enough to treat garden-variety injuries until they’re able to be treated at home.

The American Red Cross offers a wide range of first aid supplies, as well as a variety of ready-made kits at very reasonable prices.

Recommendations for Outfitting a More Robust First-Aid Kit

If your family is taking a road trip, regularly participates in outdoor hobbies, or your kids are involved in sports and other activities that increase their chances of injury (hiking, biking, rock climbing, etc.), you may want to invest in a more robust first-aid kit.

For inspiration, here are the Red Cross’s recommendations for first aid kits that serve a family of four:

• Written information including primary medical care providers, emergency contacts, and any current medications or prescriptions – along with any severe allergy information.
• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes and types).
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch).
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram).
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets.
• 1 emergency blanket.
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve) in case mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is needed.
• 1 instant cold compress.
• 2 pairs of nonlatex gloves (size: large).
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each).
• 1 3 in. gauze roll (roller) bandage.
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide).
• 5 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads.
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches). 
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass).
• 2 triangular bandages.
• Small pair of scissors.
• Tweezers.

This next-level first-aid kit is ready to support everything from minor to more significant injuries, including sprains, deeper cuts/abrasions, and can even be used to stabilize dislocations or fractures until you can get to the nearest emergency room.

First-Aid Kit Extras For Personalization

Depending on your family’s history or needs, you might want to round your first-aid kit out with personalized extras such as:

• Extra inhaler if your child or a family member has asthma.
• An extra EpiPen if needed.
• Solar-powered lanterns/lights.
• Electrolyte powder mixes that can be added to water if you suspect dehydration.
• Antacid tablets.
• Bite/sting ointment for kiddos who are more sensitive to certain pesky pests.
• Anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea tablets.
• Motion-sickness pills.
• Throat lozenges.
• A bottle of your family’s favorite sunburn soother
• Instant hot and cold packs.
• Extra water and snacks.
• At least one blanket per person if you head to the mountains during the winter.

If your pets tend to travel with you, we also recommend putting together a pet first-aid kit.

When To Call The Nurse Line or Head to the Emergency Room

As we mentioned above, PANW’s Triage Nurse Advice Line, 503-227-0671, is available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Pediatric Associates of the Northwest also has urgent care appointments available to patients every day of the year, including weekends and holidays. Our experienced Triage Nurses can help determine if your child can be treated at home, should come to our office for an urgent care appointment, or head to the emergency room for more serious treatment.

Get help right away if you notice any of the symptoms below…

• They are struggling to breathe (fast breathing, grunting, or sucking in their ribs with each breath).
• Their lips, tongue, or skin have a blue tinge.
• There’s any chance a bone is dislocated or broken (extreme swelling, the limb looks curved or bent, they’re in excessive, extended pain, etc.).
• A burn wound is larger than a 3-inch-by-3-inch piece of gauze can cover.
• An open wound won’t stop bleeding despite maintaining continuous pressure.
• They experience severe sharp belly pain that does not get better or is accompanied by fever.
• A head injury causes unconsciousness or is followed by dizziness, fatigue, or vomiting.
• You have a gut sense that your child’s injury or symptoms are atypical (always trust your instincts).

Babies, toddlers, and young children can turn corners quickly. Don’t ever hesitate to contact our Nurse Line at 503-227-0671 for any situations that feel different from normal or you’d like a second opinion. And always call 9-1-1 if you suspect a family member is experiencing an emergency or potentially life-threatening condition.

You’ll Never Regret Having a Well-Stocked First-Aid Kit

If your children are old enough, have them help you stock the first-aid kit – and keep it up to date by restocking and replacing expired medications or ointments. It’s a perfect opportunity to discuss situations where these items would come in handy (age-appropriate and never fear-based!) as you review some first-aid basics.

Have questions for your PANW pediatrician about customizing your first-aid kit based on your children’s health history or sensitivities? Feel free to ask us at your next wellness visit or via the message feature in your Patient Portal.