Emergency first-aid kit for children: what makes sense at what age?

Children’s health is a particularly important issue that parents always have to keep an eye on. Unforeseen situations, such as sudden fever, minor accidents or other health complaints, can quickly arise in everyday life. It is therefore essential to have a well-stocked emergency first-aid kit for children. The contents of such an emergency first-aid kit should always be based on the child’s age and possible health risks.

This article explains which medicines and aids are useful depending on a child’s age and how parents can ensure that they are well prepared in an emergency. It also discusses the importance of pharmacies and especially emergency pharmacies, which also offer support outside regular opening hours.

Why an emergency first-aid kit for children is so important

An emergency first-aid kit for children ensures that parents can react quickly in an emergency. Harmless illnesses or injuries can quickly have serious consequences, especially for small children or babies, if measures are not taken in time. Children are often unable to express their symptoms clearly, which is why parents need to be particularly vigilant. A well-stocked supply of medicines, plasters and other aids can help bridge the gap until a visit to the doctor or alleviate simple complaints straight away.

In addition to medication and dressing materials, important emergency numbers should always be to hand. This includes the number of the pediatrician, the number of the poison control center and, if necessary, contacts to special medical specialists.

Basic equipment for the emergency first-aid kit for children

No matter how old the child is, there are certain basic items that no emergency first-aid kit should be without:

• Clinical thermometer: A clinical thermometer is essential for taking an accurate temperature if a fever is suspected. Fever can be particularly dangerous for babies and small children.
• Dressing materials: Plasters in various sizes, sterile compresses, gauze bandages and bandage scissors are among the most important items for quickly treating minor wounds.
• Disinfectant: A mild disinfectant is useful to protect small wounds from infection.
• Tweezers: Tweezers help to remove splinters or other foreign bodies from the skin.
• Tick tweezers or card: Especially in rural areas, removing ticks is an important measure that can be carried out without professional help.

This basic equipment covers the most important first aid measures. However, in addition to these general aids, there are age- and development-specific supplements that are useful for babies, toddlers and older children.

The emergency first-aid kit for babies (0-1 year)

In the first few months of a child’s life, parents need specific equipment to respond to the special needs of an infant. As the immune system is not yet fully developed and babies cannot articulate many symptoms, it is important to act quickly and precisely.

• Fever suppositories or fever juice: Fever is a frequent companion in the first years of life. Fever-reducing suppositories (e.g. paracetamol-based) are suitable for babies as they are easier to administer. Alternatively, there are also special fever syrups that are tailored to the baby’s weight.
• Nasal aspirator: Blocked noses are common in babies. A nasal aspirator helps to gently remove the secretions, as babies are not yet able to blow their own noses.
• Saline solution or nasal drops: Saline solutions or mild nasal drops are very helpful for moistening the airways and caring for the mucous membranes.
• Diaper cream: Since babies often get diaper rash, a good diaper rash cream is a must in every baby’s emergency kit.
• Teething rings: Many babies feel pain when teething. A cooled teething ring can relieve the pain.

Note: As babies’ metabolism works differently to that of adults, medication should only be administered after consultation with a pediatrician. In addition, parents should always follow the dosage instructions carefully.

The emergency first-aid kit for infants (1-3 years)

Between the ages of 1 and 3, children begin to explore their surroundings more intensively, which is often associated with minor accidents. At the same time, children put many things in their mouths, which can lead to poisoning or gastrointestinal problems. The emergency first-aid kit should therefore be expanded to include some specific remedies.

• Fever syrup or suppositories: Here too, antipyretics remain important. Paracetamol and ibuprofen in the form of juice or suppositories are generally well tolerated.
• Remedies for diarrhea and vomiting: Electrolyte solutions and special preparations for diarrhea can help to compensate for fluid loss in the case of gastrointestinal infections. Carrot soup or rusks should also be to hand.
• Wound and healing ointment: For small abrasions or scratches, a wound and healing ointment helps to support healing and soothe the skin.
• Soothing for insect bites: Children of this age are often out and about, where insect bites are inevitable. A cooling gel or ointment will soothe the itching.
• Sun cream: Sun protection is particularly important in the summer months. A sun cream with a high sun protection factor is therefore part of the standard equipment.
• Risk of poisoning: Children in this age group often put things in their mouths that could be poisonous to them (e.g. cleaning products or plants). Parents should always have the number of the poison control center to hand and act immediately in an emergency.

The emergency first aid kit for pre-school and primary school children (4-10 years)

As children get older, they are better able to communicate what is wrong with them. Nevertheless, parents are still called upon when it comes to minor injuries or acute illnesses. In this age group, a few useful items should be added to the emergency first-aid kit:

• Cough and cold remedies: Light cough suppressants or expectorants for children help with colds. Nasal drops can also be used to moisten the nasal mucous membranes.
• Remedy for motion sickness: A gentle remedy for nausea can be helpful when traveling by car or plane.
• Iodine ointment or antiseptic ointment: No medicine cabinet should be without these preparations to disinfect small wounds.
• First aid kit: A small first aid kit with plasters, gauze bandages and disinfectant spray is also part of the emergency kit to be well prepared for falls and minor injuries.

Tip: Learn first aid measures! At primary school age, it can be useful to gently introduce children to simple first aid measures. They can learn how to use plasters correctly or know when an adult should call for help.

Emergency pharmacies: help outside regular opening hours

In emergencies, especially at night or on public holidays, it may be necessary to visit a pharmacy quickly. While regular pharmacies have fixed opening hours, emergency pharmacies also offer medical care outside these hours.

Emergency pharmacies, also known as emergency service pharmacies, are open around the clock to dispense medication or give advice in urgent cases. There is a nationwide emergency service in Germany, which ensures that there is always a pharmacy open nearby, even in rural areas. The emergency services alternate so that there is always at least one pharmacy available in a given catchment area.

Parents should visit an emergency pharmacy if acute health problems arise that cannot wait until the next working day. These include:

• Fever in babies and small children that does not respond to antipyretics.
• Severe gastrointestinal infections with severe diarrhea or vomiting.
• Sudden pain, for example in the case of a middle ear infection.
• Acute injuries that require treatment with bandages or special ointments.

Note: It is advisable to contact an emergency pharmacy by telephone before visiting to ensure that the required medication is in stock.

Pharmacy advice: an important point of contact

In addition to emergency pharmacies, regular pharmacies also offer an important service for families. Pharmacists can give parents comprehensive advice on which medicines are safe and age-appropriate for children. They are also available as competent contacts if there are any uncertainties regarding dosage or possible drug interactions. Parents should not be afraid to consult them if they have any questions or uncertainties in order to protect their children’s health in the best possible way.

Conclusion: preparation is the be-all and end-all

A well-stocked emergency first-aid kit for children is essential in order to be able to act quickly in an emergency. Parents should always make sure that the medication and aids are appropriate for the child’s age. Regular checks of expiry dates and continuous adaptation of the pharmacy to the child’s changing needs are just as important.

Pharmacies and emergency pharmacies play a central role when it comes to providing fast and competent support in an emergency. Parents should take the opportunity to seek regular advice and ensure that they are well prepared in the event of an emergency.

All in all, with the right equipment and a clear plan, parents can look to the future with peace of mind – and know that they are prepared for an emergency.