Checklist for a First Aid Kit

Bandages for a First Aid Kit

Having proper first aid supplies nearby prepares you for medical emergencies, whether for a simple cut or accidental poisoning. Besides keeping one inside the home, there should also be a first aid kit in the car. If you don't want to buy a pre-made first aid kit, you can gather the medical items and make your own kit.

Things You'll Need

• Container with a lid
• Large rubber band
• First aid items
• Small first aid manual
• Emergency numbers
• Family medical history

Instructions

1. Find a container to use for your first aid kit. It will need to have a lid that fits securely. Before selecting the container for the car's first aid kit, take it to the car and determine where it will be stored. Some vans have storage compartments; if your vehicle doesn't have one, slide the container in the glove box or under the seat. To make sure the lid stays on securely, wrap a large rubber band around the container.

2. Gather items that the first aid kit should have. These items would include sterile gloves, antibiotic hand cleansers, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, cotton balls, cotton swabs, scissors, tweezers, antibiotic ointments, hydrocortisone cream, syrup of ipecac and a variety of adhesive bandages.

3. Include other items that are important but not necessary. These include pain killers--both adult and children types--a thermometer, ammonia ampules, elastic bandages, facial tissues, eye drops, hay fever or sinus medications, antacids, laxatives and diarrhea medication.

4. Add items that are convenient but not necessary. These include cough drops, lip balm, petroleum jelly, safety pins and an air sickness bag. For teenage girls and women, include a small assortment of sanitary products, although these can be stored in a separate container.

5. Buy a small first aid manual to keep in the first aid kit. Write down emergency phone numbers, including Poison Control, on the inside cover. Write down all pertinent medical information for each family member, including vaccination history, allergies and special health issues, and put it in the first aid kit. In the event of a medical emergency that requires a trip to the hospital, you will have this information handy.

Tips & Warnings

• For people with allergies to latex, there are latex-free sterile gloves and adhesive bandages. It's not necessary to buy small sizes of these first aid items. You can pour the alcohol or hydrogen peroxide into a small sterile bottle and label it. Other items, like bandages, tissues or safety pins, can be stored in small zip-top bags. Whenever you are away from home--such as at the beach, the park or in a hotel--take the first aid kit out of the car and carry it with you. This will prevent having to run back to the car for the kit during an emergency.

• In case of poisoning, always call Poison Control first before giving syrup of ipecac. Always keep the first aid kit out of the reach of young children.