Everyone should have a well-stocked first-aid kit at home, in the car, and in the workplace. You may also want to stock a portable kit (a box or small bag) that can be taken to the site of an emergency.
It is important to check your kit regularly to restock items that have been used and to replace items that are out-of-date.
The contents of the kit vary depending upon the number of people it is designed to protect, as well as its intent for use. Recommended contents of a first-aid kit include the following:
| Instruments | Bandages |
|---|
bulb syringe
scissors
thermometer (oral and rectal)
tweezers
|
adhesive tape
butterfly bandages
elastic bandages
hypoallergenic tape
sterile cotton balls
sterile eye patches
sterile gauze pads (4" x 4")
stretchable gauze roll
waterproof tape
|
| Medications | Miscellaneous Items |
|---|
- antacid
- antidiarrheal medication
- antihistamine
- aspirin
- antiseptic ointment
- calamine lotion
- decongestant
- ibuprofen
- sugar or glucose solution
- syrup of ipecac
- acetaminophen
| - alcohol (rubbing 70 percent)
- alcohol wipes
- blanket
- candles
- chemical ice packs or ice bag
- chemical hot packs or hot water bottle
- cotton swabs
- disposable latex gloves
- face mask for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- first-aid book
- flashlight
- hydrogen peroxide
- insect repellent
- insect sting swabs
- matches
- paper and pencil
- paper cups
- soap
- safety pins
- tissues
- tongue blades
|
Everyday items to use in an emergency:
- disposable or cloth diapers for compresses, bandages, or padding for splints
- dish towels for bandages or slings
- umbrella for use as a splint
