First-Aid Kit

Everyone should have a well-stocked first-aid kit at home, in the car, and in the workplace. You may also want to stock a portable kit (a box or small bag) that can be taken to the site of an emergency.

It is important to check your kit regularly to restock items that have been used, and to replace items that are out-of-date.

The contents of the kit vary depending on the number of people it is designed to protect, as well as its intent for use. Recommended contents of a first-aid kit include the following:

Instruments	Bandages
Bulb syringe Scissors Thermometer (oral) Tweezers	Adhesive tape Butterfly bandages Elastic bandages Hypoallergenic tape Sling (triangular-shaped cloth) Sterile cotton balls Sterile eye patches Sterile gauze pads (4" x 4") Stretchable gauze roll Waterproof tape
Medicines	Miscellaneous items
Acetaminophen Antacid Antibiotic ointment Antidiarrheal medicine Antihistamine Aspirin Antiseptic ointment Calamine lotion Decongestant Hydrocortisone cream Ibuprofen Sugar or glucose solution	Alcohol (rubbing 70%) Alcohol wipes Blanket Candles Chemical ice packs or ice bag Chemical hot packs or hot water bottle Cotton swabs Disposable gloves (non-Latex if you or a loved one has a Latex allergy) Face mask for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) First-aid book Flashlight Insect repellent Insect sting swabs Matches Measuring spoons Paper and pencil Paper cups Soap Safety pins Sunscreen Tissues Tongue blades

Instruments

Bandages

Bulb syringe
Scissors
Thermometer (oral)
Tweezers

Adhesive tape
Butterfly bandages
Elastic bandages
Hypoallergenic tape
Sling (triangular-shaped cloth)
Sterile cotton balls
Sterile eye patches
Sterile gauze pads (4" x 4")
Stretchable gauze roll
Waterproof tape

Medicines

Miscellaneous items

Acetaminophen
Antacid
Antibiotic ointment
Antidiarrheal medicine
Antihistamine
Aspirin
Antiseptic ointment
Calamine lotion
Decongestant
Hydrocortisone cream
Ibuprofen
Sugar or glucose solution

Alcohol (rubbing 70%)
Alcohol wipes
Blanket
Candles
Chemical ice packs or ice bag
Chemical hot packs or hot water bottle
Cotton swabs
Disposable gloves (non-Latex if you or a loved one has a Latex allergy)
Face mask for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
First-aid book
Flashlight
Insect repellent
Insect sting swabs
Matches
Measuring spoons
Paper and pencil
Paper cups
Soap
Safety pins
Sunscreen
Tissues
Tongue blades

You can also use the following everyday items in the event of an emergency:

Disposable or cloth diapers for compresses, bandages, or padding for splints

Dish towels for bandages or slings

Umbrella, rolled magazine, or layered newspaper for use as a splint

In addition, it is helpful to carry the following items in your car:

A large blanket

Gallon-size bottle of water

Flashlight and extra batteries

If your child or other family member has special medical needs, be sure to carry extra medical supplies when you go on an outing or trip. Some of these items might include the following:

An allergy kit containing medicines to be used by people allergic to insect stings or certain foods

Prescription medicines (make sure they're stored properly and aren't expired), syringes, and special equipment or supplies

Be sure any member of your family who has special needs wears a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace at all times. Applications are available in most pharmacies.