... First Aid Kits ...

The Basic First Aid Kit
The First Aid Kit for Children
The Well-Stocked First Aid Kit

... Recommend this page to a friend.

BASIC FIRST AID KIT

Every home should be prepared with a first aid kit for accidents and emergencies. Does your home have one?

You can buy one from a drugstore or create one from scratch. Don't forget these items:

Of course, this is only scratching the surface of what a complete first-aid kit should contain.

FIRST AID KIT
(usually needed for children)

Because children usually get sick or hurt at the least opportune moments, it is helpful to be prepared. The items listed below should be included in your personal first-aid kit. Keeping these items in a separate box is a good idea so they don't get used for other purposes. The time your child gets a sprain is not the time to find out that someone used the elastic bandages for tying the Christmas tree to the car. In addition, some items in the first aid kit are potentially dangerous for children, so keeping the box locked or out of reach is also a good idea.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
These medications are not only for fever but also are good for pain control. Pack a dosing chart with these so that the appropriate amount can be given. In addition, check out the Handy conversion table for medication dosages. Aspirin should be avoided in children.

An accurate measuring device
A syringe is usually the most accurate and easy to use. There are a number of different types of measuring spoons, droppers, and cups. Just be sure to have one of these that you think will work for your child.

Ice packs
One of the more convenient forms is the chemical ice pack. This is a plastic bag with two compartments containing chemicals. When the inner barrier is broken and the two chemicals mix, there is a chemical reaction that makes the bag get cold. The bag may be stored at room temperature. However, it is also a good idea to keep a couple of conventional ice packs in the freezer for those accidents that occur close to home.

Elastic and adhesive bandages
The elastic bandages (like the ACE wraps) are good for wrapping sprained joints or making a sling in the case of a broken arm. As for adhesive bandages, have several sizes on hand to take care of a variety of cuts.

Gauze and adhesive tape
For larger cuts and scrapes, gauze pads or rolls certainly come in handy. You will need adhesive tape to keep the gauze in place.

Small sharp scissors
These will be needed to cut the tape, gauze, or whatever.

Alcohol pads
A bottle of rubbing alcohol along with cotton balls will work just as well to clean tweezers, scissors, thermometer, etc. Never use rubbing alcohol in a bath to help control fever.

Thermometer
If your baby is under one year of age, a rectal thermometer is a must. Otherwise, there are a number of different thermometers, each with its own pros and cons. For additional information, read How to interpret oral, rectal, and underarm temperature and Accuracy of tympanic (ear) thermometers.

Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
Pack this to lubricate the rectal thermometer.

Calamine lotion
This is great stuff to relieve the itching of poison ivy and bug bites.

1-percent Hydrocortisone ointment
This is also helpful for rashes that itch.

Diphenhydramine (Benedryl)
An antihistamine is helpful in handling any minor allergic reactions.

Antibiotic ointment
Good for certain cuts that are at risk for infection. If a cut or scrape appears to be infected already, consult the doctor before administering the antibiotic ointment.

Self-injectable epinephrine
This is a prescription medication limited to those at risk for life-threatening allergic reactions from bee stings, certain foods, etc.

Tweezers
These are essential for removing ticks, splinters, etc.

Penlight
A regular flashlight will do, but may be too big to fit in the first-aid box. Don't forget extra batteries.

Syrup of ipecac
This over-the-counter medication causes vomiting and may be helpful in certain poison ingestions. Never give this medication unless directed by the Poison Control Center or the doctor.

List of important phone numbers
Include the pediatrician, Poison Control Center, a friend or relative you can call in an emergency, and emergency services if "911" is not available in your area.

THE WELL-STOCKED FIRST AID KIT
(usually needed in general)

A well-stocked first-aid kit, kept in easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Having supplies gathered ahead of time will help you handle an emergency at a moment's notice. You should keep one first-aid kit in your home and one in each car. Be sure to bring a first-aid kit on family vacations.

Choose containers for your kits that are roomy, durable, easy to carry, and simple to open. Plastic tackle boxes or containers for storing art supplies are ideal, since they are lightweight, have handles, and offer a lot of space. Include the following in each of your first-aid kits:

After you have stocked your first-aid kits:

And again, we return to ... Our Navigator ... our journey isn't over.

1