Before Carl deLeon ever welcomed a student into his office at Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha ma Hawaiʻi, he was transporting emergency patients around the globe as a flight nurse. After years in the emergency room and in the air, he learned it’s not always the big emergencies that matter most but how we handle the small ones.

“Nothing is ever routine, even in the simplest cases,” deLeon said. “I’ve trained to look at the whole person — physical, psycho-social. That is why I became a nurse: to help people.”

What he noticed more and more was that many families didn’t have basic first aid materials on hand. That meant minor injuries could turn into bigger issues quickly, so the longtime nurse recommends building a kit before your summer adventures begin. From skateboarding spills, sunburns at the beach or tree-climbing splinters, summer has a funny way of turning fun into a few bumps and scrapes along the way. Having a small stash of essentials on hand can make incidents less complicated.

“You can get a solid starter kit for around $10,” deLeon said. “Even a $3 kit for your backpack is better than nothing.”

Sunscreen is another item often overlooked. Despite Hawaiʻi’s intense UV exposure, deLeon sees many students skip it entirely. Teaching kids to protect their skin is just as important as teaching them how to clean a scrape.

“Try not to get burned in the first place,” deLeon said. “But if you do, grab an ice pack to relieve some of the pain or use an aloe plant if you have it.”

Knowing how to manage common injuries at home also helps keep emergency resources available for those needing them. Unless it’s a true emergency, urgent care clinics or online advice lines are often quicker, safer and less overwhelming alternatives.

“Especially here on Hawaiʻi Island, where we have few hospitals, you don’t want to spend six hours in a waiting room if you don’t have to,” deLeon said.

For him, first aid isn’t just about treating bumps and bruises. It’s about giving students tools and confidence to care for themselves. Summer is the perfect time to reinforce these skills, especially as school-year pressures ease and children can focus on their mental and physical well-being.

“Let kids be kids,” deLeon said. “Let them play, explore, take a break from all the stress but give them the tools to do it safely.”

Accidents happen but being prepared can be simple. Stock up, pack smart and stay ready because safety is one of the greatest gifts we can give our keiki. A little prep now means more freedom, fun and peace of mind all summer long.

Summer First Aid Basics

• Band-aids (variety of sizes)
• Antiseptic wipes or solution
• Antibiotic ointment   (available over the counter)
• Aloe vera gel or a home plant
• Cool packs for burns or sprains
• Tweezers (for splinters)
• Extra masks (if needed) and hand sanitizer
• Info for urgent care & 24/7 nurse lines

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