Being Prepared for First Aid

Medical emergencies do not occur every day, but being prepared and knowing how to treat them can help you keep your calm in these situations. You should keep at least one first aid kit in your home and one in every car you and your family own.

How to Make a First Aid Kit:
Whether it is a bee sting or a cut, a well stocked first aid kit will have all the supplies you need to treat minor ailments. A first aid kit should include:
First Aid Manual
Sterile Gauze
Adhesive Tape
Adhesive Bandages in Several Sizes
Elastic Bandages
Antiseptic Wipes
Soap
Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen
Tweezers
Sharp Scissors
Safety Pins
Disposable Instant Cold Packs
Calamine Lotion
Alcohol Wipes or Ethyl Alcohol
Thermometer
Plastic Gloves
Antibiotic Cream
Antiseptic Solution
Hydrocortisone Cream
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
Mouthpiece for Administering CPR
List of Emergency Phone Numbers
Blanket (Stored Nearby)

Make sure that you read the first aid manual and know how to properly use all the items in the kit. Make sure you also train your family in how to use the kit, because you may be the one who needs the treatment! The best place to keep your first aid kit is in your kitchen, since this is where many activities take place. The bathroom is not a good place to keep your kit because the humidity can shorten the shelf life of many items.

A list of emergency numbers can also be useful in case a minor injury or sickness turns into something more serious. An easy template for all your local emergency numbers can be found at:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/sheets/emergency_contact.html

Sources:
Web MD: First Aid Kits http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/first-aid-kits
Kid’s Health: First Aid Kit http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/firstaid_kit.html
University of Maryland Medical Center: First Aid http://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/firstaid.htm