First Aid Kit
 The
American College of Emergency Physicians has compiled a list
of items it believes should be in every First Aid Kit. This
kit should be kept together in one place, and every member
of the household should know where it is, as well as how to
use each item in the kit.
This list will provide you with the necessary "tools"
to handle many medical emergencies at home. All items are
readily available from your local pharmacy. after ingestion
of certain poisons. (Use only on the advice of a poison control
center or the emergency department.)
For the kit itself, a small tote bag is recommended because
it is large enough to hold all items listed, it is easily
transported (even on vacation), and it is big enough to be
visible wherever it is kept. Take the same precautions with
your first aid kit that you would with any medicine. Store
it out of the reach of children and only use products with
child safety caps.
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First Aid Kit Contents
- Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and aspirin tablets:
For headaches, pain, fever, and simple sprains or strains.
(Aspirin should not be used for relief of flu symptoms or
given to children.)
- Ipecac syrup and activated charcoal: For treatment
after ingestion of certain poisons. (Use only on advice
of a poison control center or the emergency department.
- Elastic Wraps: For wrapping wrist, ankle, knee,
and elbow injuries.
- Triangular Bandages: For wrapping injuries and
making an arm sling.
- Scissors with rounded tips.
- Adhesive tape and 2" gauze: For dressing wounds.
- Disposable, instant ice bags: For icing injuries
and treating high fevers.
- Bandages of assorted sizes: For covering minor
cuts and scrapes.
- Antibiotic ointment: For minor burns, cuts, and
scrapes.
- Gauze in rolls and in 2" and 4" pads:
For dressing wounds
- Bandage Closures: 1/4" and 1 ": For taping
cut edges together.
- Tweezers: To remove small splinters and ticks.
- Safety pins: To fasten bandages.
- Rubber gloves: to protect yourself and reduce the
risk of infection when treating open wounds.
- First Aid Manual
- List of emergency telephone numbers.
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