How to Make Up a First Aid Kit

A well stocked first aid kit is a one-stop source for everything needed to take care of a cut, scrape, or worse. Take a few minutes to assemble a basic first aid kit for your home. While you're at it, make extra kits to keep in each of your cars.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• First aid booklet, pocket-size
• Container with lid, roomy enough to view all contents easily - see Step 2
• First aid items to include in kit, listed in Step 3
• Flashlight and extra batteries (for car kits)

1. 
    
   Pocket-size first aid handbook

   First thing - Visit a bookstore to locate a small, concise first aid booklet with easy to understand instructions about common treatments. A pocket-size version often fits these criteria. Make sure all adults (including yourself) and responsible older children in the home become familiar with the procedures. Store booklet in first aid kit for quick reference.

2. 
    
   Plastic shoebox with colored electrical tape for identification

   Any container can be used for a first aid kit if it is easy to open, will keep moisture out, and has plenty of room for easy viewing of items inside. A plastic storage container with a lid, a zippered tote, or a tackle box with a hinged lid would work well.
   
   Clearly mark the container with the words "First Aid." This can be as simple or as decorative as you care to make it, but this will help identify the kit quickly for members of the household and guests (grandparents, for instance) who may need to use it.

3. The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends these items be included in a first aid kit, all of which (with possible exception of first aid booklet) should be available at drug stores or discount centers:
   
   * First aid booklet
   * Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin tablets (Aspirin should not be used to relieve flu symptoms or be taken by children)
   * Cough Suppressant
   * Antihistamine
   * Decongestant tablets
   * Oral medicine syringe (for children)
   * Adhesive bandages of assorted sizes
   * Bandage closures; safety pins
   * Triangular bandage
   * Elastic wraps
   * Gauze and adhesive tapes
   * Sharp scissors with rounded tips
   * Antiseptic wipes
   * Antibiotic ointment
   * Hydrogen peroxide
   * Disposable, instant-activating cold packs (see note in Tips)
   * Tweezers
   * A list, with 911 at top, of emergency phone numbers for the family physician, dentist, and the regional Poison Control Center.
   * A list of everything in kit for quick reference.
   
   Other items that may be useful:
   * 2 pairs of latex gloves
   * Unbreakable thermometer
   * A medicine measuring spoon or cup for adults
   * Aloe for burns
   * Calamine or other lotion or spray for poison ivy itch relief
   
   Keep loose supplies like bandages and antiseptic wipe packets in original boxes or clear plastic sandwich bags so they will be easily identified and won't clutter the kit.

4. Store the kit in a place where adults and responsible older children will know where to find it immediately in an emergency. It should be out of the reach of younger children. After an emergency is over, make note of items used and replace them in kit.

Tips & Warnings

• Periodically check stock in kit and replace items that have been used or have reached expiration dates.
• Instant-activating cold packs often can be found near elastic wraps and orthopedic aids.
• Attach lists of emergency phone numbers and contents of kit to lid's interior. They will remain prominent but out of the way when trying to locate items in the kit quickly.
• Store the first aid kit out of reach of children.

Resources

• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide

[makaksa]

on 6/18/2009 Good article on preparing a first aid kit!