Emergencies cannot be planned and can happen at anytime, in anyplace and to anyone. Having a first-aid kit readily available can make a vast difference in reducing the severity of an injury or even saving someone's life. It's not always necessary for you to buy a large expensive kit. You can make one on your own that is tailored to the needs of you and your family.
Step 1
Find an appropriate container for your first-aid kit. A plastic shoebox container with a lid is a good option.
Step 2
Purchase basic items for your kit: bandages, antiseptic or alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin, gauze of varying sizes, gauze tape and non-latex gloves.
Step 3
Add a basic pain reliever such as aspirin. These are often inexpensive; a store brand can be just as effective as a name brand.
Step 4
Consider the specialized needs of your family (if you're storing the kit at home). Place a small dosage of allergy or asthma medications in case of an emergency.
Step 5
Store the kit in a common area that is secure if you have small children in the home.
Step 6
Educate your family on the contents of the kit as well as what each item is used for.
Tips and Warnings
- Examine your kit periodically to refresh items that may have expired or that need to be replenished.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic shoebox container or plastic container of similar size with a lid
- Band-Aids
- Antiseptic or alcohol wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Gauze or bandages of varying sizes
- Gauze tape
- Plastic gloves (non-latex)
