A first aid kit is a must for most households and can be vital in stabilizing injuries until medical attention can be obtained. First aid kits are available for purchase at most retailers; however, families should customize their kits to address medical conditions in their own households.
Step 1
Assess basic needs first. A first aid kit should include items for basic wounds and injuries: gauze, tape, scissors, adhesive bandages, hydrocortisone cream, antiseptic wipes or alcohol, petroleum jelly and sterile eye wash. Over-the-counter painkillers also can be included.
Step 2
Make a list of the medications that each member of the family takes. Include maintenance medications and emergency medications. Maintenance medications are those that must be taken daily or regularly to treat a certain medical condition. Additionally, include emergency medications such as those for allergic reactions or insect bites. Keep at least two dosages of these medications in the first aid kit. Be sure to clarify with the doctor or pharmacist that additional dosages are needed, not full prescriptions.
Step 3
Compile a list of emergency phone numbers, including doctors' offices, the local hospital and the pharmacy. The list can be particularly important for families with children. Include it in the first aid kit, and let any babysitters know it is there.
Step 4
Duplicate the first aid kit. It can be helpful to have more than one kit in the home or to have one kit in the home and another in the car.
Step 5
Create a maintenance schedule. First aid kits must be replenished to ensure that all contents are still appropriate for use and haven't expired. Most products have expiration dates. Note those dates and replenish these products before they expire.
Things You'll Need
- Gauze
- Tape
- Scissors
- Adhesive bandages
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antiseptic wipes or alcohol
- Petroleum jelly
- Sterile eye wash
- Pain reliever
- Extra doses of regularly taken medications
- List of emergency numbers
- Replenishment schedule
