A first-aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid. A well-stocked first-aid kit can help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies. Keep at least one first-aid kit in your home, your office and one in your car.
Store your kits in easy-to-retrieve locations that are out of the reach of young children. You can purchase first-aid kits at many drugstores or assemble your own. Contents of a first-aid kit should include:
Basic supplies
· Adhesive tape
· Antibiotic ointment
· Antiseptic solution
· Bandages, including a roll of elastic wrap and bandage strip
· Instant cold packs
· Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
· Disposable latex or synthetic gloves, at least two pairs
· Duct tape
· Gauze pads and roller gauze
· First-aid manual
· Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
· Plastic bags for the disposal of contaminated materials
· Safety pins
· Scissors and tweezers
· Soap or instant hand sanitiser
· Sterile eyewash, such as a saline solution
· Thermometer
· Triangular bandage
· Blood pressure measuring machine and stethoscope
Medications
· Anti-diarrheal medication
· Over-the-counter oral antihistamine
· Aspirin and nonaspirin pain relievers (never give aspirin to children)
· Calamine lotion
· Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
· Syringe, medicine cup or spoon
· Oral saline
Give your kit a checkup. Check your first-aid kits regularly, at least every three months, to be sure the flashlight batteries work and to replace supplies that have expired.
