Home first aid supplies

Being properly prepared with first aid supplies will make it easier and less stressful to deal with an emergency. Always keep your first aid kit in the same place. That way it will be easy to find, even during an emergency. Anyone who is old enough to stay home alone, is old enough to know where the kit is, and how to use it.

A typical kit should include medicines, bandages, and certain tools. Medications should include:

• acetaminophen, such as Tylenol
• an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide
• an antihistamine that can be taken by mouth, such as Benadryl
• Calamine or Caladryl lotion
• a medicine to treat diarrhea, such as Lomotil, Imodium, or Pepto- Bismol and
• an antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin

Other first aid kit supplies should include:

• sterile 4 by 4 inch gauze pads and roller gauze
• various sizes of adhesive bandages such as Band-Aids
• an elastic compression bandage, such as an Ace wrap
• cotton swabs
• non-allergenic adhesive tape
• scissors and tweezers
• a thermometer
• safety pins
• soap
• disposable gloves
• small flashlight and extra batteries
• disposable instant cold packs
• triangular bandage
• first aid manual and
• emergency phone numbers

Store your first aid kit in an area that is easy to get to in case of emergency, but is out of the reach of children.

Check the kit regularly. Replace any used items or those that are out-of-date. Should a serious event occur, make sure your family members know how to respond safely and quickly. Holding first aid drills will help your family prepare for emergencies.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File PREP4911.rf2 VRS# 4911 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.