Emergency Supplies Blog

What is in your first aid kit?  The Red Cross suggests keeping a first aid kit in your home and another in your car.  There are a lot of first aid kits available today.  You probable do not have to buy a first aid kit if you would rather make your own.  Here is my recommended list of items that should cover 90% of basic care.  You can also add items you feel are important.

Bandages & Medical Supplies: Two 4 by 6 absorbent compression dressings, 30 adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, one large roll of cloth tape, an assortment of gause pads, and an assortment of roller bandages, 10 packets of antibotic ointment, 2 packets of hydrocortisone ointment for bee stings and rashes, and aspirin.

Protective Gear: A breathing barrier with a one way valve and some latex gloves.

Additional Supplies: a couple of space blankets, scissors, tweezer, a first aid book, an oral thermometer, and a list of emergency phone numbers.

Accidents can happen at any time to anybody, and the family that’s determined to be as safe as possible will acknowledge this possibility. If you want to make sure that your family has access to at least basic medical aid, make sure that you choose a first aid kit for your family. Sort through all the first aid kits at the store to ensure that you’re picking the one that’s right for your family. If you find that it’s lacking something, purchase the missing elements and make sure that they fit within the first aid kit. In this way, all the emergency medical supplies are together in one place.

The first thing to do with a first aid kit is make sure that everyone in the family knows exactly how to use all the elements within the kit. They aren’t of much use, after all, if no one can actually identify or use the products within it. The other important thing is that you check the kit every month to ensure it’s still fully stocked. Minor things like Band-Aids are sure to get used first, and a kit can quickly run out of these items.

Great suggestion on adding in the Ipecac for poisoning.  I am a EMT.  So you know I have more to add.  Besides the basics you could also add more Ace bandages, for sprains, etc…; antibotic ointment and/or Antiseptic wipes will be used on just about everything; a birting kit; a blanket blood presure unit burn gel, draws the heat out; burn ontiment; butterfly stiches; calamine lotion; eye dropper; eye wash kit; flashlight face mask; insect/snake bite kit; cold packs; heat packs; magnifing lens; smelling salt; sponge sterile pads; stethescope; tourniquet; tounge depressor, and a tweezer.    

Really I am more impressed just to see that people have a first aid kit in their homes and in their cars and then leave the more serious work to the professionals.  That really is the ideal situation.

Below, is my well stocked first aid kit list and a copy of my first aid book.  You should choose a large plastic bin or a large fishing box works great too.  Please note that you should keep a list of emergency contacts in your first aid kit.  Also, check any medications and smoke detectors for expiration dates.

Neosporin , Hydrogen Peroxide, Antiseptic Wipes, Alcohol Wipes, Soap, Tweezers, Fingernail Clipper, Small Scissors, Safety Pins, Sterile Gauze, Adhesive Tape, Bandages in several sizes, Ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil for Children, Benadryl, Instant Cold Packs, Thermometer, Plastic non-latex Cloves, Flashlight, Solar and a Fleece Blanket, and of course a First Aid Manual.

In additon, to the normal items in your first aid kit, make sure your first aid kit contains Ipecac syrup to treat poisoning and/or keep numbers of the Poison Control Center, and other such numbers you may need. 

In addition, most people forget about burns and having some burn free spray or patches really helps.

It’s important to be prepared for any and all emergencies; always keep your first aid supplies intact and up to date. Make sure to replenish items as necessary and take note of expiration dates so you can immediately replace them. Every home and office needs a first aid kit, but it’s also a good idea to have one in your car.

Here are some basic first aid supplies:

• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes for disinfection
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
• Adhesive bandages, sterile dressings and surgical tape
• Disposable gloves and scissors
• Eye wash solution and burn ointment
• Over the counter medicines such as pain relievers and anti-diarrhea medications

First aid kits should be an essential item found in every household and vehicle. Accidents happen when we least expect them – sometimes, being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. The most common types of accidents include cuts, burns, and insect bites.  Every first aid kit should include the following basic items: an assortment of bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, cotton swabs, eye drops, latex gloves, bottled water for cleaning wounds, and a first aid handbook. A large percentage of accidents happen in and around the home.  A first aid kit should be readily available both inside the home and when the family is outdoors.  It is important that each member of the family be familiar with the contents of the first aid kit and knows how to use them.

It is essential that first aid kits contain the proper supplies to meet each individual families needs.  All first aid kits should include prescription medications as well as non-prescription medications such as syrup of ipecac (used to induce vomiting if instructed by a poison control center), pain medications, antihistamines for itching and allergic reactions, and medicines for treating bee stings.  When putting together a first aid kit, you should consider the needs of each individual family member. It is very important to change the medications in the first aid kit periodically.  Most medications have an expiration date, which can be written down on a piece of paper and kept inside the first aid kit.

It is important to keep your basic first aid kit in your home, in your garage for outside emergencies, and in your vehicle for emergencies that may occur when you are traveling.  A first aid kit should also be a part of disaster preparedness.  When preparing for a natural disaster, it is a good idea to include at least a three-day supply of any prescription medications.  This should also include items such as glucose monitors and blood pressure monitors for family members that have diabetes and high blood pressure.

If you had an emergency in your home or vehicle today, would you be prepared? Most people don’t like to think about emergencies – and this often results in not being prepared for household accidents.  First aid kits are a must in households that have children.  Children can be very accident-prone and it is better to be prepared than caught unaware.  Don’t leave your family’s safety to chance – be sure your home and vehicle are equipped with a first aid kit today!