First Aid Kit

A first aid kit may be needed at home, on a vacation, or while hiking or camping. The kit should be kept in a small portable box. The following items should be included:

• Band-Aids
• sterile gauze pads - both regular and nonstick type
• adhesive tape (1/2-inch width)
• Steri-Strips (for closing minor cuts)
• small bar of soap

  (Note: Hydrogen peroxide solution is unnecessary. It's no better than soap and water for cleaning wounds.)

• alcohol wipes
• elastic bandage (for sprained ankle)
• triangular bandage (for sprained ankle or arm injury, or as a tourniquet)
• needle and tweezers (for removing slivers or ticks)
• razor blade (for poisonous snake bite)
• small scissors
• meat tenderizer powder for bee stings
• insect repellent
• sunscreen
• adrenalin and syringe (optional, needed if a family member has a severe allergy to bee stings)
• a list of allergies and medicines for each person in the family
• extra supplies for hiking or camping:
  • compass
  • whistle
  • flashlight
  • matches
• optional medicines for camping:
  • antibiotic ointment
  • hydrocortisone cream
  • antihistamines such as Benadryl
  • acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Written by B.D. Schmitt, MD, author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.