First Aid Kit - What You Need
The following are important items to have
in your Family Health First Aid Kit:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted
sizes - for simple cuts or abrasions
- Butterfly bandages and narrow adhesive
strips - to hold the edges of a cut together to allow it to heal
- Individually wrapped, sterile gauze pads
(2" and 4") - to control bleeding or secretions and prevent
contamination
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape - to hold a
dressing or splint in place
- Roll of absorbent cotton - as padding
for a splint
- Sterile roller bandages (2" and
3"), at least 3 rolls - to lend support to sprained or sore
muscles
- Cotton-tipped swabs
- Thermometer
- Anti-itch lotion or cream - for relief
of insect bites, itching and minor skin irritations
- Eye drops
- Syrup of ipecac - to induce vomiting only
if instructed by a poison control center, emergency personnel or
doctor; keep a one-ounce bottle on hand for each child under age five
- Antiseptic ointment, spray or towelettes
- for cleansing wounds
- Antibiotic ointment - to prevent
infection of minor wounds
- Bottled water - to rinse wounds or to
drink
- Face mask - to protect against smoke,
dust or allergens
- Latex gloves - for protection when
providing emergency help to an injured individual
- Clean towel - for a pillow or as a wrap
for ice
- Chemical ice packs
- Emergency phone numbers - doctor,
pharmacy, poison control, etc.
- First aid handbook
It is also important to have some basic
medicines on hand in your family's medicine cabinet. Remember to check the
cabinet each year and dispose of expired medicines.
- Pain reliever - such as acetaminophen,
aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen or naproxen sodium - for relief of
headaches, muscle aches and joint pain
- Fever reducer, such as acetaminophen,
aspirin or ibuprofen
- Decongestant and cough medicine
- Stomach remedies - to prevent or treat
indigestion, heartburn or upset stomach
- Antihistamine - for allergic reactions
and itching
- Antidiarrheal
- Eye drops
When taking medicines, read the
label...EVERY TIME. Always remember to check the proper dose of medicine,
especially when dosing children. Pay special attention to the usage
directions and warnings. Don't buy or use any medicine from a package that
shows cuts, tears, slices or other imperfections. Report anything
suspicious to the pharmacist or store manager. If you have questions about
your medicines, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional.
For more information, please see the
MedicineNet.com First Aid and Poson Control Centers.
The above information was provided, in part, with the kind permission of
the Council on Family Health (www.cfhinfo.org)
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