injuries and poisoning
Basic First Aid Supplies
Introduction
The medicine chest or first-aid kit should be kept well stocked and should be checked every 3 to 6 months, replacing any used or expired items. The following basic supplies are useful to have on hand: Activated charcoal (call the poison control center before using) Adhesive tape Antihistamine for allergic reactions Antibiotic ointment (such asbacitracinorneomycin) Antiseptic solution or towelettes (disinfecting wipes) Acetaminophenoribuprofen Bandages in various sizes and shapes Cold pack (instant) or ice bag Compression (elastic) bandage for sprains and strains Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs Eyewash (sterile) First-aid manual Gauze pads in various sizes to stop bleeding and cover wounds Gloves (latex or nitrile) Hydrocortisonecream for stings and itchy, inflamed rashes Nail clippers Pen light or flashlight with extra batteries Petroleum jelly Plastic bags for the disposal of potentially contaminated material Safety pins in different sizes Scissors Soap Thermometer Tourniquets Tweezers Warm pack (instant) The following can be given by lay (nonprofessional) rescuers and may be appropriate for some first aid kits: injection (for example, EpiPen) for life-threatening allergic reactions ( Overview of Allergic Reactions ) (Narcan) nasal spray or injection for Emergency treatment (for example, heroin, Additionally, have the following readily available: Phone numbers and contact information for your family doctor and/or pediatrician, emergency services, and regional poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the United States) List of drugs (both prescription and over-the-counter) that each family member takes Medical history forms for each family member Many people consider taking a first-aid course through the American Red Cross or some other agency. See theAmerican Red Crossweb site for more information. People may also need to prepare children for medical emergencies in age-appropriate ways and know when to call 911 or the local emergency service. 