You should make sure that you and your family are prepared to treat common symptoms, injuries, and emergencies. By planning ahead, you can create a well-stocked home first aid kit. Keep all of your supplies in one location so you know exactly where they are when you need them.
The following items are basic supplies. You can get most of them at a pharmacy or supermarket.
Bandages and dressings:
Adhesive bandages (Band-Aid or similar brand); assorted sizes
Aluminum finger splints
Elastic (ACE) bandage for wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries
Eye shield, pads, and bandages
Latex or non-latex gloves to reduce contamination risk
Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
Triangular bandage for wrapping injuries and making an arm sling
Home health equipment:
Blue "baby bulb" or "turkey baster" suction device
Disposable, instant ice bags
First-aid manual
Hand sanitizer
Latex or non-latex gloves to reduce contamination risk
Save-A-Tooth storage device in case a tooth is broken or knocked out; contains a travel case and salt solution
Sterile cotton balls
Sterile cotton-tipped swabs
Syringe, medicine cup, or medicine spoon for giving specific doses of medicine
Thermometer
Tweezers, to remove ticks and small splinters
Medicine for cuts and injuries:
Antiseptic solution or wipes, such as hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine, or chlorhexidine
Antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin, polysporin, or mupirocin
Sterile eyewash, such as contact lens saline solution
Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy
Hydrocortisone cream, ointment, or lotion for itching
Be sure to check your kit regularly. Replace any supplies that are getting low or which have expired.
Other supplies may be included in a first aid kit. This depends on the area in which you plan to spend time.
References
Tonna, JE, Lewin, MR. Wilderness Preparation, Equipment, and Medical Supplies. In: Auerbach, PS. ed. Auerbach: Wilderness Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa. Mosby Elsevier;2011: chap 91.
Review Date:
1/1/2013
Reviewed By:
Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
