Every day care center or preschool should have a well stocked First Aid kit on hand at all times. The follow items are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
- Keep a fully stocked first aid kit in easy reach of all providers, but out of reach of children. Check the first aid it regularly and restock as necessary.
- In addition to the supplies listed for your first aid kit, you should also keep ice cubes or ice bags in the freezer to use to reduce swelling of some injuries.
- Place a stocked first aid kit in every vehicle used to transport the children. In addition to the items in your facility first aid kit, your vehicle kit should also include a bottle of water, soap, coins for a pay phone call, and a first aid guide.
- Don't use first aid sprays and ointments. They may cause allergic reactions or skin damage. Use rubbing alcohol or antiseptic wipes.
- Wear plastic (no latex as there are many people allergic to latex!) gloves to prevent contact with body fluids.
- If the children will be going on a walk away from the center, have a backpack handy for teachers to carry with them for a first aid kit and to hold emergency contact information.
A well stocked first aid kit should include at all times:
Box of nonporous gloves (there are latex allergies)
Sealed packages of alcohol wipes or antiseptic wipes
Small scissors
Tweezers (for removing splinters)
Thermometer
Adhesive bandage tape
Sterile gauze squares
Triangular bandages
Safety pins
Eye dressing
Insect sting preparation (bee sting kit)
Pencil and notepad
Cold pack
Small splints
Sealable plastic bags for soiled materials
*note - syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended by pediatricians, if you have this in your first aid kit - remove it
If an injury occurs:
- Remain calm
- Check for life threatening situations (choking, severe bleeding or shock). Do not move a seriously injured child!
- Call 911 or your local emergency if the child will require care beyond what you are certified for.
- Give CPR if necessary
- Contact the parent/emergency contact if the injury warrants their attention before pickup time
- Record all injuries on an incident report as soon as possible
