Essential First Aid Kit Checklist: Prepare for Emergencies

First aid kits should be easily accessible and fully stocked in the home and in each vehicle you drive. Ready-made first aid kits are available in stores, but you can make your own by putting together your favorite products and customizing contents to specific needs, such as back-up insulin for diabetics in the family. Use a plastic tool kit or tackle box that stores easily and has a handle.

Antiseptics

• Keep a sterile cleansing agent and cream that can stave off infections for open wounds.

Bandages

• Include a few basic small bandages, half a dozen 2- and 4-inch sterile gauze pads and two or three rolls of sterile rolled bandages.

Pain Relievers

• Use regular aspirin and one other pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to treat fever and pain until you can get medical treatment.

Tools

• Have an assortment of tools including tweezers, scissors, needles and a thermometer.

Lubricant

• Put a small container of petroleum jelly or other lubricant in the kit to keep injured areas moist.

Stomach

• Ipecac induces vomiting when needed. Anti-diarrhea medicine can help prevent dehydration and laxatives and antacids can help relieve stomach distress.