First aid kit

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You should make sure that you and your family are prepared to treat common symptoms, injuries, and emergencies. By planning ahead, you can create a well-stocked home first aid kit. Keep all of your supplies in one location so you know exactly where they are when you need them.

The following items are basic supplies. You can get most of them at a pharmacy or supermarket.

Bandages and dressings:

Adhesive bandages (Band-Aid or similar brand); assorted sizes
Aluminum finger splints
Elastic (ACE) bandage for wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries
Eye shield, pads, and bandages
Latex or non-latex gloves to reduce contamination risk
Sterile gauze pads, non-stick (Adaptic-type, petrolatum or other) gauze and adhesive tape
Triangular bandage for wrapping injuries and making an arm sling

Home health equipment:

Blue baby bulb or turkey baster suction device
Disposable, instant ice bags
Face mask to reduce wound contamination risk
First-aid manual
Hand sanitizer
Latex or non-latex gloves to reduce contamination risk
Save-A-Tooth storage device in case a tooth is broken or knocked out; contains a travel case and salt solution
Sterile cotton balls
Sterile cotton-tipped swabs
Syringe, medicine cup, or medicine spoon for giving specific doses of medicine
Thermometer
Tweezers, to remove ticks and small splinters

Medicine for cuts and injuries:

Antiseptic solution or wipes, such as hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine, or chlorhexidine
Antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin, polysporin, or mupirocin
Sterile eyewash, such as contact lens saline solution
Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy
Hydrocortisone cream, ointment, or lotion for itching

Be sure to check your kit regularly. Replace any supplies that are getting low or have expired.

Other supplies may be included in a first aid kit. This depends on the area in which you plan to spend time.

References

American Academy of Family Physicians website. What do I need in my first aid kit? familydoctor.org/what-do-i-need-in-my-first-aid-kit/. Updated June 7, 2017. Accessed February 24, 2023.

American College of Emergency Physicians website. First aid kit. www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/health--safety-tips/first-aid-kit. Accessed February 24, 2023.

Auerbach PS. First-aid kits. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Medicine for the Outdoors: The Essential Guide to First-Aid and Medical Emergencies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:415-420.

Review Date: 1/2/2023

Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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