Emergencies occur when we least expect it! That’s why every home, and especially those with kids, should have a first aid kit on hand for various bumps, bruises, scrapes, cuts, and burns. The good news is that it’s easy to assemble an inexpensive first aid kits all on your own using items purchased from a well-stocked drug store.
A household first aid kit should include these items:
1. Sterile Gauze Pads
Look to the 4- by 4-inch size for covering wounds and burns, or for using as eye patches
2. Adhesive Tape
For affixing various non-adhesive gauze pads, bandages, slings, etc.
3. Anesthetic Sprays
If you settle on Bactine, for rashes, and Calamine, for insect bites, you should be set.
4. Adhesive and Non-Adhesive Bandages
In various sizes for wrapping sprains, wounds, burns, etc.
5. Sterile Gloves
For bloody wound handling, infection protection, and in a pinch: for filling with water and ice to make emergency ice packs.
6. Oral Antihistamines
Think Benadryl for allergic reactions and Loratadine to soothe itchiness and rashes.
7. Safety Pins
For securing slings, wound dressing, and for removing nasty splinters when sterilized.
8. Antibiotic Cream
Think Polysporin for dressing non-serious surface wounds.
9. CPR Mask
To avoid spreading of illnesses and safe resuscitation.
10. Scissors
To help cut and dress wounds and apply slings.
11. Tweezers
To remove splinters, insect stings, leeches, lice, or ticks.
12. Sling Bandage
To use as a sling, towel, or tourniquet for breaks and sprains.
