How to Assemble the Perfect First Aid Kit
Everyone should have a first aid kit on hand, and it should be well-stocked and easily accessible in the event of an emergency. Since your first aid kit will include potentially dangerous products, it should be kept out of reach of children. It is also a great idea to keep one kit in your house and one in your vehicle. First aid kits are available for purchase at your local drugstore, or you can create one yourself.
Things You'll Need
- Large bag or box
- Adhesive tape
- Bandages
- Gauze pads
- Roll gauze
- Instant cold packs
- Cotton balls
- Synthetic gloves
- Goggles
- Plastic bags
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Hand sanitizer
- Bulb suction device
- Thermometer
- Saline solution
- Aloe
- Diphenhydramine
- Aspirin
- Non-aspirin pain relievers
- Hydro-cortisone cream
- Medicine spoon
- EpiPen (if necessary)
- Flashlight and batteries
- Cell phone with charger
- First aid manual
Instructions
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Gather all of your supplies and separate them by category -- bandages, gauze and tape in one pile, medicine and ointments in another. Because your cold pack, cell phone and batteries contain hazardous material, these items each should be in a category of their own.
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Place each category into its own large zip-lock bag, which will prevent anything from becoming soiled or contaminated in the event of a spill. Place all bags in your duffel bag or box and store out of reach of children.
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Revisit your first aid kit often to ensure that nothing has accidentally come open, cold packs are still usable and expiration dates are valid. Also remember to replenish your kit after using any items from it.
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Tips & Warnings
To become first aid and CPR certified, contact your local fire department or American Heart Association for information on upcoming classes in your area.
Post the phone number to Poison Control near your phone.
Always assume that the victim is contagious and use protective gear such as gloves when coming in contact with bodily fluids.
When in doubt as to how to respond to a emergency situation, call 911 for assistance.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit sign. first aid sign image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
