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.
The above information was provided, in part, with the kind permission of the Council on Family Health
