Image of children on swing enjoying the summertime

With the warm weather and school closed for the summertime, more folks are getting outside and staying there well into the evening.

But with all of that activity and fresh air, many of us, especially children and the elderly, will be prone to injury, illness, or just plain old exhaustion. Fortunately, a little preparation can go a long way. Keep a “Summertime Toolbox” handy with you at home, in the car, at the park or ball field, at the beach, or wherever you travel. A combination of a first aid kit and a “common sense kit,” its contents will be able to help you enjoy the long days and hot summer nights more comfortably and safely. Make sure to keep these items in an insulated cooler to limit the heat exposure. It will also allow you to put cool packs in to keep the items from getting too hot in the car trunk on those “summer heat emergency days.” Place most items in small, easy-to-see zip-lock bags for easy identification and to keep them dry.


Summertime Toolbox

  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito Repellent
  • Lip Balm
  • Bacitracin (for infections)
  • Hydrocortisone (anti-itch) cream
  • Band-aids
  • Antiseptic Wipes
  • Waterless gel soap
  • Adhesive Tape
  • Medicine (acetaminophen, Motrin, Benadryl, Zantac, Pepto Bismol, and any urgent prescription meds that you regularly need)
  • Instant cold packs and ace wrap (to hold them in place around injury)
  • Tissues
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Collapsible umbrella (for rain and/or sun protection)
  • Small hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Whistle
  • Flashlight
  • Bottled water/sports drink
  • Salted pretzels or crackers
  • Small cup or bowl (remember, your pets may need a drink too)
  • Rain poncho
  • Mylar blanket

Image of Dr. Ernest Patti

Dr. Ernest Patti is a senior emergency medicine physician at SBH Health System and a professor at the new CUNY School of Medicine. He is frequently seen on Fox News.


Dr. Ernest Patti