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FIRST AID KIT

In any emergency a family member or you yourself may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt.


Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention.


Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. It also gives you self confidence and keeps you from wasting countless hours in the doctor's office or emergency room.


As a girl, I took CPR and first aid classes so when I baby sat, I would be prepared. As a young adult, I took an EMT class and became certified. I worked on an ambulance for a time.


Later, as a married wife and mother, I took a nutrition class and read countless books on herbs, home birth, Chinese medicine, homeopathic medicine, reflexology, and so forth.


Knowledge of the body, how it works, how to keep it healthy, and basic first aid have been some of the most beneficial classes that I have had.


I highly recommend that parents consider taking a first aid class (as simply having children means you will play nurse or EMT on many occasions) , however, simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

Things you should have:


First-aid manual

  • Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex). Two pairs is minimal...just buy a box so you have plenty.

  • Sterile dressings to stop bleeding. Have different sizes and some roll dressings.

  • Adhesive tape to hold the dressings in place.

  • Elastic bandage to use for sprains, muscle injures, and so forth.

  • A splint to use if you think a bone is broken. A pillow safety pinned around a limb can also stabilize it in an emergency.

  • Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.

  • Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

  • Burn ointment to prevent infection.

  • Antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide) for cleaning, rinsing the mouth, or can be used for swimmer's ear.

  • Hydrocortisone cream (1%) for skin disorders or itching.

  • Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.

  • Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.

  • Thermometer also have one that doesn't need a battery for emergencies.

  • Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.

  • Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.

Things that are good to have in your Kit:

  • Cell phone with charger

  • Sharp Scissors

  • Tweezers

  • Safety pins

  • Disposable instant cold packs

  • Calamine lotion

  • Alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol

  • Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

  • Pain patches

  • Cold and flu medicines

  • Allergy medicines

  • Cough lozenges

  • Cough syrup

Non-prescription drugs:

  • Aspirin or non aspirin pain reliever

  • Anti-diarrhea medication

  • Antacid (for upset stomach)

  • Laxative

Additional items to have near or in a car:

  • Flashlight and extra batteries

  • A blanket

  • Your list of emergency phone numbers

  • Bottled water

  • Some granola bars or other unperishable food

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