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What should you have in your Home First-Aid Kit?

A well-stocked first-aid kit is a necessity in every home. Having everything gathered ahead of time will help you handle an emergency quickly and will keep you calm.

You should keep a first-aid kit in your home and in your car. Remember to also take a first-aid kit on family vacations. Store your kits in easy to access locations that are out of the reach of young children. Children that are old enough to understand the purpose of the kits should know where they are stored.

What You’ll Need

Include the following in each of your first-aid kits:

a splint
acetaminophen and ibuprofen (acetaminophen is used more as a fever reducer and for pain. ibuprofen, which is also known as Motrin or Advil, can be used for pain that’s caused by inflammation)
adhesive bandages in several sizes & triangular bandage
adhesive tape
alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
anti-diarrhea medication, over-the-counter oral antihistamine, syringe, medicine cup/spoon
antibiotic ointment
antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
antiseptic wipes
blanket (stored nearby) / space blanket
calamine lotion
cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
disposable instant cold packs
elastic bandage
extra prescription medications (if the family is going on vacation)
first-aid manual
flashlight and extra batteries
hydrocortisone cream (1%)
mouthpiece for administering CPR
plastic non-latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)
safety pins
sharp scissors
soap and/or instant hand sanitizer
sterile gauze pads of different sizes
sunscreen
thermometer
tooth preservation kit & plastic bags
tweezers
your list of emergency phone numbers including contact information for: your family doctor and paediatrician, local emergency services, emergency road service providers and the poison control centre

Remember

  1. Check the kits regularly. Replace missing items or medicines that may have expired.
  2. Other items you may wish to include:
    • Medical consent forms for each family member
    • Medical history forms for each family member
    • Waterproof flashlight
    • Candles and matches
  3. If you’re flying, be sure to pack the first-aid kit in your checked luggage. Many of the items won’t be permitted in your carry-on bags.
  4. Check the flashlight batteries to make sure they work.
  5. Read the entire first-aid manual so you’ll understand how to use the contents of your kits. (If your kids are old enough to understand, review the manuals with them.)

References: http://www.mayoclinic.com | http://kidshealth.org


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