Summer in Rural America can be a season of outdoor fun, farming, family road trips, and community events, but it can also bring its share of scrapes, stings, and sunburns. A well-stocked first aid kit can make all the difference when minor medical issues arise.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what every rural household should have in a Summer-ready first aid kit, and why it’s essential to be prepared. Whether you’re on the farm, at the lake, or heading to a county fair this kit will have you covered!
Why Every Rural Home Needs a Summer First Aid Kit
When an accident arises, being able to treat minor injuries at home or on the go is an important skill to have and having the proper items to do so is key!
A well-prepared first aid kit can:
- Prevent small injuries from becoming big problems
- Provide peace of mind during emergencies
- Help you respond quickly while waiting for medical care if the injury permits
Here’s what is recommend for a well-rounded first aid kit with a Summer focus:
🩹 Basic Wound Care🩹
- Adhesive bandages (variety of sizes)
- Sterile gauze pads and medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes or hydrogen peroxide
- Antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin)
- Tweezers (for splinters, ticks, or bee stingers)
- Scissors (blunt-tipped are safest)
- Non-latex gloves
☀️ Summer-Specific Supplies☀️
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Aloe vera gel or lotion (for sunburn relief)
- Insect repellent
- Hydrocortisone cream (for bug bites or rashes)
- Ice packs (instant/cold packs) for heat relief or injuries
🦟 Bite & Sting Treatments🦟
- Antihistamines (Benadryl or generic diphenhydramine)
- Epinephrine auto-injector (if someone in the family has severe allergies—talk to your doctor)
- Calamine lotion for poison ivy, oak, or sumac
🧼 Other Helpful Additions🧼
- Thermometer
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Burn cream or gel
- Eye wash or saline solution
- Flashlight with extra batteries
🔨Customize for Your Family’s Needs🔨
Consider who will be using the kit. Do you have young children, older adults, or anyone with chronic health conditions? You may want to add:
- Pediatric or child-size medications
- Extra supplies for diabetes, asthma, or allergies
- A list of emergency contacts and known allergies
Kits like this can be created using items you already have at home or purchasing a kit that is pre-made and customizing it from there as needed. You may also consider creating a version of your kit for travel purposes for when you’re on-the-go! Finally, a reminder to replace items after you use them and to check the expiration dates at the start of each season!
In rural communities, we’re used to taking care of our own—and that includes being ready when medical issues pop up. A Summer first aid kit is a small investment that can prevent a lot of stress and discomfort down the road!
Blog Author: Jozie LaViolette