We've crowd-sourced the must have items for the perfect campus first aid kit! Suggestions came from College Marni's Campus Crew including our favorite docs, mamas, papas and current students. Of course, these are SUGGESTIONS! Not everyone needs every item! But we have broken it down by potential ailment and included some easy tips in each section, too! Being prepared will also save on the panic we feel when we can't get to our sick kiddos and start Door Dashing or Amazon-ing items.
Secret tip---On most college campuses the Hillel offers a free Chicken Soup Hotline. Student volunteers will drop off chicken soup and a challah roll to your student's dorm and will send you a note afterward. You can make a donation to say 'THANK YOU'...$18 is good luck and a lovely way to help them keep this wonderful service going! It is also less than you will pay to Door Dash soup to them!
(FYI- This is not a religious service - it is for ALL students on ALL campuses! And who doesn't like chicken soup?)
COLLEGE MARNI’S CAMPUS FIRST AID KIT
*MAKE SURE TO HAVE ALL PRESCRIPTIONS AND INSURANCE CARD
*INFO ALSO WRITTEN DOWN SOMEWHERE SAFE
*KNOW WHICH IS THE CLOSEST PHARMACY
*KNOW WHERE HEALTH SERVICES IS AND HOW TO GET THERE
*KNOW WHERE CLOSE INSTANT CARE OFFICES ARE (THAT TAKE YOUR INS.)
*KNOW WHERE THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM IS
*GET ROOMMATE'S CONTACT INFO
GENERAL:
IBUPROFEN/ACETOMINOPHEN
CORTISONE CREAM
ALLERGY MEDS/BENADRYL
THERMOMETER
WOUNDS/CUTS:
Normal Saline to irrigate a wound
Polysporin, Neosporin or Bacitracin
Assorted sizes of Bandaids
Liquid Bandaid for paper cuts or cuts in fingers
Isopropyl alcohol 70% (for cleansing an area NOT for drinking!)
Tweezers
GASTROINTESTINAL:
Pepto Bismol for diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach
Immodium for diarrhea
An acid reducer like Pepcid for gastrointestinal reflux or heartburn
Ginger tea for nausea
COUGHS/COLDS:
Menthol cough drops
Cold and flu elixir, am and pm
Theraflu
Mucinex
Kleenex
Nasal saline drops
Vicks Vapor Rub
Can of chicken soup that you can microwave in your dorm room/apt
BACK PAIN, JOINTS, MUSCLE ACHES:
For mild swelling or pain, ice first 48 hours of initial pain
Instant Cold Packs
Tiger Balm
Bengay use only as directed
Voltaren use only as directed
*If persistent pain, go to ER or urgent care for further evaluation and possible X-ray
SKIN/BREAKOUTS:
Try over the counter acne products like benzoyl peroxide
Any persistent acne that is unresponsive, please see your dermatologist.
CLEANSERS:
Panoxyl bar for face and body
Cetaphil or Cerave acne wash/cleanser
Watch your sugar intake as high glycemic foods can cause breakouts.
SENSITIVE FACIAL SKIN:
Aveeno Calming Cleanser
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
DRY FACIAL SKIN:
La Roche Posay double repair facial moisturizer (yes for boys, too!)
Cetaphil or Cerave facial moisturizer
DRY CRACKED LIPS OR SKIN:
Cerave Healing Ointment
Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion or Cream for the extremities and body
Cerave Hydrating Body Wash
Dove, Aveeno or Oil of Olay Body Washes
ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE:
Coconut water
Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier/Electrolyte powders
Gatorade
Pedialyte
Ginseng
Portable water purification system like a Britta water canister or bottle to keep hydrated all year.
COVID PREVENTION:
N-95 masks to protect yourself and others
Antibacterial/Antiviral wipes
Hand Sanitizer
COVID quick test kits on hand
Vitamins and Supplements
*If you are having cold-like symptoms, get a COVID PCR test and see your medical provider on campus as soon as possible.
BIRTH CONTROL:
Prescriptions
Condoms
Plan B – (doesn’t expire for 3 years- even if you don’t need it, you may be a hero by sharing it with someone who does)
DISCLAIMER!!!!
This info has been crowd-sourced from College Marni’s Campus Crew made up of my favorite docs, mamas, papas and current students!
You should always consult a physician before taking any meds and watch for allergies and interactions!!!
Obviously, not everyone needs every item on the list but we hope this helps you be safe on campus in the Fall!
Comments