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The American College of Emergency
Physicians has compiled a list of items it believes should be in every
First Aid Kit. This kit should be kept together in one place, and every
member of the household should know where it is, as well as how to use
each item in the kit.
This list will provide you with the
necessary "tools" to handle many medical emergencies at home. All items
are readily available from your local pharmacy. (Use only on the advice
of a poison control center or the emergency department.)
For the kit itself, a small tote bag is
recommended because it is large enough to hold all items listed, it is
easily transported (even on vacation), and it is big enough to be
visible wherever it is kept. Take the same precautions with your first
aid kit that you would with any medicine. Store it out of the reach of
children and only use products with child safety caps. |
First Aid Kit Contents
-
Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and aspirin
tablets: For headaches, pain, fever, and simple sprains or
strains. (Aspirin should not be used for relief of flu symptoms or
given to children.)
- Ipecac syrup
and activated charcoal: For treatment after ingestion of certain
poisons. (Use only on advice of a poison control center or the
emergency department.
- Elastic Wraps:
For wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries.
- Triangular
Bandages: For wrapping injuries and making an arm sling.
- Scissors with
rounded tips.
- Adhesive tape
and 2" gauze: For dressing wounds.
- Disposable,
instant ice bags: For icing injuries and treating high fevers.
- Bandages of
assorted sizes: For covering minor cuts and scrapes.
- Antibiotic
ointment: For minor burns, cuts, and scrapes.
- Gauze in
rolls and in 2" and 4" pads: For dressing wounds
- Bandage
Closures: 1/4" and 1": For taping cut edges together.
- Tweezers:
To remove small splinters and ticks.
- Safety pins:
To fasten bandages.
- Rubber gloves:
to protect yourself and reduce the risk of infection.
- First Aid
Manual
- List of
emergency telephone numbers.
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