First Aid Kits

Having a fully stocked first-aid kit is the key to being prepared for at-home injuries, so it’s important that yours is properly stocked and tailored to your needs.

First-aid kits are your first line of treatment and care following injuries. That includes:

• Cuts and scrapes.
• Minor burns, including sunburn.
• Minor sprains and strains.
• Bug bites.
• Minor allergic reactions, including poison ivy rash.

What is required in a first aid kit

For cleaning wounds:

• Antiseptic solution and towelettes.
• Bulb suction device for flushing wounds.
• Eye drops.
• Hydrogen peroxide.
• Spray bottle of saline wound cleanser.

For treating wounds:

• Antibiotic ointment.
• Aloe vera gel.
• Calamine lotion.
• Hydrocortisone cream or ointment.

For dressing wounds:

• Bandages of all sizes to accommodate varying injuries.
• Sterile gauze tape for dressing wounds.
• Adhesive tape for securely applying gauze.
• Elastic bandage wraps, which can be used for everything from stabilizing a sprained ankle to holding an ice pack in place.

Medications

• Antacids.
• Allergy medicine, such as a non-sedating antihistamine.
• Anti-diarrheal medication.
• Aspirin.
• Cough and cold medications.

Other household items

You may wish to add other helpful household items into your first-aid kit, too. Here are a few that are handy in case of emergencies:

• Cotton balls and swabs.
• Examination gloves.
• First-aid manual.
• Face masks.
• Flashlight.
• Petroleum jelly or other lubricant.
• Scissors.
• Thermometer.
• Tweezers