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 Barton D. Schmitt, MD, author of “My Child Is Sick”, American Academy of Pediatrics Books.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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