Back-to-School Safety: First Aid Kits and Smartphones
My son frequently hurts himself at school. More than a few times my son has limped into the car to tell me of his latest silly injury he’s gotten with his friends. Maybe you can relate?
While we all want to think that he school nurse will always be there, that’s not always the case. In life our kids will have to grow up and take care of themselves. By providing them their own medical kit and showing them how to use it, they can be safer at school and in life. After all we are our own first responder.
Please note that I am not a medical professional. I’m writing this from my personal experience as a dad and someone who has been certified in first aid and CPR. But this is not to be considered medical advice.
First Aid Kit for Kids’ Book Bags
Back-to-school safety is vital for ensuring that your children are prepared for what may arise during the school day. Whether it's dealing with minor injuries or staying connected with parents, being prepared can make a big difference. In this article, I will provide practical advice on assembling a first aid kit for your child's book bag and discuss the benefits of using smartphones to keep track of your kids.
Why Have a First Aid Kit?
Having a first aid kit in your child’s backpack is a simple and effective way to ensure they can handle minor injuries quickly. Children are prone to scrapes, cuts, and other minor hurts during their school day. Having a well-stocked first aid kit can help them manage these situations effectively. Emergency preparedness is key to providing peace of mind for both parents and children.
What to Include in a School First Aid Kit?
I’ll ask you to suppress the urge to overfill a first aid kit for your child. And you need to build your own instead of buying a massive one that will overwhelm your child when they need it the most. We’re making a child’s first aid kit, not a medical kit or trauma kit.
Here are some essential items to include in a first aid kit for your child’s book bag:
First Aid Pouch: Have a bag or small box designated for first aid only. I like this one from JIAKAI.
Bandages of Various Sizes: For covering small cuts and scrapes especially large ones for elbows and knees. This assortment from Curad is great.
Antiseptic Wipes: To clean wounds and prevent infection.
Gauze Pads: For larger cuts or nosebleeds.
Pain Relief Medication: You can include age-appropriate pain relief medication (If your school allows it.)
Instant Cold Pack: For reducing swelling from bumps and bruises.
Hand Sanitizer or Hand Wipes: To ensure clean hands after treating wounds.
Kids Flossers: Use these for getting food out of teeth after lunch. These DenTek ones work great.
Personal Medications: If your child has specific medical needs, include their medications and devices.
Emergency Contact and Allergy Information: The school should have this on file, but for teachers and first responders this will be valuable information to have on hand.
These items form the basis of a comprehensive first aid kit, ensuring that your child is prepared for various minor emergencies. Including these supplies in their book bag ensures they have the necessary tools to manage small incidents independently until they can get to the school nurse.
Remind your child to always seek help from a teacher or school nurse if they are unsure how to handle an injury or if it is more severe. Also, this kit is only for your child. Make sure they understand they are not to share it or try to treat a classmate.
What to Leave Out of a School First Aid Kit
Almost as important as what to include in a first aid kit is what should be left out.
Knife or Scissors: Schools have strict rules against knives and sharp scissors. Don’t send these as they can be mistaken for weapons.
Cotton Swabs: In the event of a nosebleed kids may try to stop it with a cotton swab. This is not a good idea, don’t send them.
Tweezers: These may fall into the sharp object category for potential use as a weapon.
Dermoplast and other Sprays: Let the adults use this stuff.
Do Tourniquets Belong at School?
I’m sure someone is wondering if they should send their child to school with a trauma kit or stop the bleed kit that includes a tourniquet. The chances of your child needing such emergency care is very, very slim. I suggest you not include these things in your child’s first aid kit.
However, if you have a high school student who has completed a Stop the Bleed course or is certified in some sort of trauma response, then you might want to consider it. Many emergency medical professionals start their careers in high school as life guards and explorers. Regardless, make sure it is their choice, do not force it on them.
First Aid for Personal Use
It’s important to tell your kids that their first aid kit is only for them. For many, many reasons they do not need to provide medical care for anyone else. If they want to help, teach them to go and get an adult who can manage the situation.
Smartphones for School Safety
During the school day it is important for parents to have access to their kids in the event of an injury or illness. While school administrators will call you, it can save time and pain if they can reach you, their emergency contact, directly. If your child has to use their first aid kit at school, you need to know about it.
Benefits of Smartphones for Keeping Track of Kids
Smartphones have become essential tools for staying connected with our children during the school day. Here are some benefits:
Ease of Communication: Kids can easily check in with parents and update them on their whereabouts.
Location Tracking: Many smartphones come with GPS tracking, allowing parents to know their child's location in real-time.
Emergency Contact: In case of an emergency, children can quickly reach out to parents or guardians.
These features ensure that you can keep track of your child's day and respond swiftly to any issues that may arise, enhancing their safety and your peace of mind.
Safety Considerations
While smartphones are beneficial, it’s crucial to set boundaries and educate your children on responsible usage:
Set Rules and Boundaries: Establish clear rules about when and where your child can use their smartphone.
Monitor Usage: Use parental control apps to monitor your child's smartphone activity and screen time.
Educate About Online Safety: Teach your children about the importance of not sharing personal information online and recognizing potential online dangers.
These steps help ensure that your child uses their smartphone responsibly and safely, minimizing potential risks associated with technology use.
What is the Best Smartphone for Back to School?
Troomi Wireless is a company dedicated to providing safe and kid-friendly smartphones. Their mission is to empower parents with the tools they need to keep their children safe while allowing kids to enjoy the benefits of technology. Troomi offers kids a great first step in becoming responsible digital citizens.
Key Features of Troomi Wireless
Troomi Wireless offers several features that make their smartphones an excellent choice for kids:
Parental Controls: Parents can control app installations, screen time, and access to all features.
No Social Media Apps: Troomi does not allow social media apps on their operating system.
AI Content Filtering: When enabled, Troomi’s AI technology will block images, phrases, and other concerning content quickly and alert you.
Educational Apps: The phones come with a range of educational and school apps that promote learning and development.
Screen Time Management: Parents can set limits on how much time their children spend on the phone.
Real Phones: Troomi phones are Android devices usually made by Samsung, a leader in smartphone technology.
These features make Troomi Wireless an excellent choice for parents seeking a safe smartphone for their children.
Why Choose Troomi Wireless?
Here are some reasons why Troomi Wireless is the ideal choice for your child’s smartphone:
Security Features: Troomi phones prioritize security with robust parental controls and safe browsing options.
Unique Operating System: Troomi devices operate on their own, kids safe operating system that is controlled by parents.
Ease of Use: The interface is designed to be user-friendly for both kids and parents.
Positive Review: My family uses a Troomi phone, and my son will carry one to school this year.
If you are interested, you can get $50 off a phone of your choice with the discount code THESECUREDAD when you sign up at Troomi. If you’d like to know more, you can read my full review of my experience with a Troomi Wireless smartphone.
Choosing Troomi Wireless ensures that your child has a safe and user-friendly smartphone, making it a valuable tool for staying connected and safe.
Conclusion: First Aid Kits and Smartphones
As you prepare for the new school year, prioritizing safety is essential. Equipping your child with a first aid kit in their book bag ensures they are ready to handle minor injuries. Using a safe smartphone, like Troomi Wireless, allows you to stay connected and monitor their well-being throughout the school day.
By taking these proactive steps, you can help ensure your child’s safety and peace of mind as they head back to school. For more information on first aid for children, check out this information from the Red Cross.
I want to extend a special thanks to Walt Settelmyer of the Distinguished Savage for lending his knowledge and experience for this article.
