First-aid Kits

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Stock supplies that can save lives















































































































































































































































































































































A

well-stocked first-aid kit can help you respond effectively to common

injuries and emergencies. Keep at least one first-aid kit in your home

and one in your car. Store your kits in easy-to-retrieve locations that

are out of the reach of young children. Children old enough to

understand the purpose of the kits should know where they are stored.



You can purchase first-aid kits at many drugstores or assemble your own. Contents of a first-aid kit should include:



Basic supplies



Adhesive tapeAluminum finger splintsAntibiotic ointmentAntiseptic solution or towelettesBandages, including a roll of elastic wrap (Ace, Coban, others) and bandage strips (Band-Aid, Curad, others) in assorted sizesInstant cold packsCotton balls and cotton-tipped swabsDisposable latex or synthetic gloves, at least two pairGauze pads and roller gauze in assorted sizesEye gogglesFirst-aid manualPetroleum jelly or other lubricantPlastic bags for the disposal of contaminated materialsSafety pins in assorted sizesSave-A-Tooth storage device containing salt solution and a travel caseScissors, tweezers and a needleSoap or instant hand sanitizerSterile eyewash, such as a saline solutionThermometerTriangular bandageTurkey baster or other bulb suction device for flushing out wounds



Medications



Activated charcoal (use only if instructed by Poison Control Center)Anti-diarrhea medicationOver-the-counter oral antihistamine (Benadryl, others)Aspirin and nonaspirin pain relievers (never give aspirin to children)Calamine lotionOver-the-counter hydrocortisone creamPersonal medicationsIf prescribed by your doctor, drugs to treat an allergic attack, such as an auto-injector of epinephrine (EpiPen)Syringe, medicine cup or spoon



Emergency items



Cell phone and recharger that utilizes the accessory plug in your car dashEmergency phone numbers, including contact information for your

family doctor and pediatrician, local emergency services, emergency

road service providers and the regional Poison Control CenterSmall, waterproof flashlight and extra batteriesCandles and matches for cold climatesSunscreenMylar emergency blanket



Give your kit a checkup



Check your first-aid kits regularly, at least every three months, to be

sure the flashlight batteries work and to replace supplies that may

have expired.



In addition, take a first-aid course to prepare for a possible

medical emergency. Be sure the course covers cardiopulmonary

resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator

(AED). Renew your CPR certification at least every two years.



Prepare children for medical emergencies in age-appropriate ways.