How to Stock an Emergency Supply of Medicine and First Aid

It's important for every home to have a well-stocked first aid kit. When injuries happen, having necessary medical materials within easy reach can help minimize bleeding, swelling and trauma that occur during injury.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Betadine Solution
• First Aid Books
• Eyewashes
• Storage Organizers
• Antibacterial Ointments
• Aspirins
• Eyebrow Tweezers
• Gauze Pads
• Gauze Wraps
• Ipecacs
• Latex Gloves
• Adhesive Tape
• Adhesive Tape
• Mechanics Tool Boxes

1. Buy a plastic storage container that is shoe box size or larger'an art-supplies container with big handles or a fishing-tackle box will work nicely. Think of this container as the 'safe box' for your emergency supplies.

2. Gather materials necessary to treat cuts and lacerations: sterile plain and nonstick gauze pads in a variety of sizes, bandages, soft bandage wraps and a pair of latex gloves for the care of fresh bleeding wounds (caution: some people are allergic to latex).

3. Be sure to pack soap to clean wounds. Soap containing chlorhexidine makes a good antiseptic. If no family members are allergic to iodine, consider including products containing povidone-iodine, such as Betadine. Use Betadine swabs to clean difficult-to-reach areas and Betadine pads for small scrapes.

4. Include at least two sizes of bandage tape, and an elasticized wrap to hold gauze pads or other dressings in place.

5. Place analgesic/antihistamine cream in the kit.

6. Add a bottle of syrup of ipecac if you have children, so you can induce vomiting in case someone swallows poison. Do not use ipecac until you have confirmed the need with your doctor or a poison-control hot line.

7. Consider keeping an aqueous epinephrine solution kit (called an EpiPen or Ana-kit) in the box if anyone in the family is allergic to bees, wasps or yellow jackets. You will need a prescription for the kit. Review how to use the kit with everyone who might need to know.

8. Put a good pair of tweezers and a pair of sharp scissors in the kit. The tweezers are great for removing gravel from scraped knees, as well as splinters and glass bits. The sharp scissors can quickly cut away a pants leg from a lacerated thigh.

9. Include a bottle of sterile eye-irrigating solution.

10. Put a flashlight with fresh batteries in the kit, and be sure to check the batteries every few months. Good light is vital for detecting foreign bodies in the eyes, mouth and ears, and in assessing the depth and severity of wounds.

11. Keep a first aid manual inside the kit. Review the manual every six months so you'll remember what to do in an emergency.

12. Enroll in a CPR and a first aid class for optimal emergency prepared-ness. These are available at most community centers.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a washcloth and towel (in a sterile plastic bag) to your kit when you travel. Most wounds can be cleaned effectively with soap and clean water, as long as the washcloth and towel are also clean.
• If you are taking prescription medication, and are going to be away from home, refill your prescription before leaving, so that you are sure to have enough of your medication always available.
• Especially when taking trips, be sure your first aid kit comes along with you. Add a washcloth and towel to your kit when you travel. Most wounds can be cleaned effectively, on the road, with soap and water, as long as the washcloth you wash it with and the towel you dry it with aren't dirty.
• Inspect your kit once a year and replace expired medications.
• Keep first aid kits in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children.

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