Recommendations for First Aid Kits

Safety is the top priority of all sports organization leaders and athletic directors. One critical step sports leaders can take is to make sure that first aid kits are readily available for each practice and competition that athletes participate in. A first aid kit, when accompanied by someone with basic first aid knowledge, can:

• Ensure quick and effective responses to injuries or medical emergencies before professional help arrives.
• Prevent injuries from worsening, such as cuts, burns, sprains, etc.
• Reduce recovery time – early treatment can mean faster healing and fewer complications.

We Recommend Including the Following Items in Your First Aid Kit

• First aid manual
• Latex free gloves
• Athletic tape
• Elastic wrap
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibacterial ointment
• Alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
• Antibacterial soap
• Splinter tweezers
• Thermometer
• Flashlight
• Emergency procedure outline
• Ice packs or plastic bags for ice
• Adhesive bandages
• Sterile gauze pads
• Antiseptic solution (Hydrogen peroxide)
• Hydrocortisone cream (1%)
• CPR mask
• Scissors
• Pen
• Safety pins
• Ziploc bags
• Emergency phone numbers

If your organization is in need of assistance to obtain first aid kits, consider partnering with local chapters of the American Red Cross for subsidized or donated kits.