First Aid Kit
You should make sure that you and your family are prepared to treat common symptoms, injuries, and emergencies. By planning ahead, you can create a well-stocked home first aid kit. Keep all of your supplies in one location so you know exactly where they are when 3 you need them.
The following items are basic supplies. You can get most of them at a pharmacy or supermarket.
Bandages and dressings:
- Adhesive bandages (Band-Aid or similar brand); assorted sizes
- Aluminum finger splints
- Elastic (ACE) bandage for wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries
- Eye shield, pads, and bandages
- Latex or non-latex gloves to reduce contamination risk
- Sterile gauze pads, non-stick (Adaptic-type, petrolatum or other) gauze and adhesive tape
- Triangular bandage for wrapping injuries and making an arm sling
Home health equipment:
- Blue baby bulb or turkey baster suction device
- Disposable, instant ice bags
- Face mask to reduce wound contamination risk
- First-aid manual
- Hand sanitizer
- Latex or non-latex gloves to reduce contamination risk
- Save-A-Tooth storage device in case a tooth is broken or knocked out; contains a travel case and salt solution
- Sterile cotton balls
- Sterile cotton-tipped swabs
- Syringe, medicine cup, or medicine spoon for giving specific doses of medicine
- Thermometer
- Tweezers, to remove ticks and small splinters
Medicine for cuts and injuries:
- Antiseptic solution or wipes, such as hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine, or chlorhexidine
- Antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin, polysporin, or mupirocin
- Sterile eyewash, such as contact lens saline solution
- Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy
- Hydrocortisone cream, ointment, or lotion for itching
Be sure to check your kit regularly. Replace any supplies that are getting low or have expired.
Other supplies may be included in a first aid kit. This depends on the area in which you plan to spend time.