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First aid essentials. How to make a kit fit for first aid

When you hurt yourself, you don’t always need to go to the doctor or a hospital. Sometimes all you need is a little first aid. That’s where a first aid kit comes in handy. It contains most of the items you might need to provide basic aid. It’s a good idea to keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your home and in your car. But what should you keep inside the kit itself?

Here are some essentials for a well-stocked first aid kit.

DRESSINGS AND BANDAGES

• Gauze roll.
• Sterile gauze bandages.
• Eye pad.
• Adhesive tape roll.
• Elastic bandage for sprains.
• Sterile cotton balls and swabs.

OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES

• Pain reliever and fever medicines. (Remember not to use aspirin for kids younger than 18.)
• Antibiotic ointment.
• Sterile saline eyewash.
• Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy.
• Hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion for itching.
• Antihistamine for allergic reactions.
• Nasal decongestant.
• Anti-nausea medicine to treat motion sickness and other types of nausea.
• Anti-diarrhea medicine.
• Antacid for upset stomach.
• Laxative to treat constipation.
• Special medicines for members of your household, such as asthma inhalers.

TOOLS

• Safety pins to fasten splints and bandages.
• A suction device to flush out wounds.
• Aluminum finger splint.
• Syringe and medicine spoon for giving medicine.
• Thermometer.
• Tweezers to remove ticks, insect stingers and splinters.
• Scissors.

PROTECTION

• Non-latex gloves (size large).
• A breathing barrier for giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• An emergency blanket.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Antiseptic wipes.
• Instant cold compress.
• First aid manual and list of emergency contacts.

KIT TIPS

Whether you create your first aid kit or buy a pre-made one at the store, keep these tips in mind:

• Tailor your kit to meet your family’s needs.
• Check the kit regularly.
• Replace items as you use them or they expire.
• Use the kit for minor medical issues—call 911 in an emergency.
• Consider labeling emergency contacts in your phone, or downloading an ICE (for "in case of emergency") app.