10 Things to add to your first aid kit

Plasters (lots of plasters!) – For minor cuts, scrapes, and blisters. You can get waterproof ones for those days at the beach!
Sterile Gauze Pads – Great for dressing larger cuts and wounds.
Antiseptic Wipes or Antiseptic Solution (like Betadine) – To clean wounds before dressing them. Betadine’s pretty common in Kiwi homes.
Medical Tape – To secure gauze or plasters in place.
Tweezers – For removing splinters, thorns, or small debris—particularly useful after bush walks or gardening.
Pain Relievers (Paracetamol or Ibuprofen) – For pain relief or reducing fever. Paracetamol’s often the go-to here in NZ.
Saline soloution- for cleaning out sandy eyes, cleaning cuts and wounds.
Thermometer – A digital thermometer for checking for fever, which is handy for kids or adults alike.
Instant Cold Pack – To ease pain from sprains, strains, or even for swelling after a slip on a slippery track!
Burn Cream or Aloe Vera Gel – Great for sunburn relief after a day in the NZ sun, or to soothe minor burns.

You might also want to throw in a good sunscreen if you don’t have it already in your kit—essential for our sunny days, even in winter!

SHALOM EDUCATION