First Aid Kit

First aid kits can either be purchased or made by an individual. Several items are listed below that can be used in a first aid kit. Certain activities are related to risk of certain injuries. People involved in special activities may want to include more of some items in their kits than people who are not involved in those activities. First aid kits can be bought at sporting goods stores, pharmacies and some department stores. The following materials can be useful in a first aid kit.

Bandages should include:

• adhesive bandage strips in different sizes
• butterfly bandages (1/4 inch and 1 inch)
• elastic wraps for wrists, ankles, knees and elbows
• adhesive tape in different sizes
• sterile cotton balls, eye patches and gauze pads (4 x 4 inches and 2 x 2 inches)
• absorbent cotton balls
• adhesive gauze, wrapping and rolls in different sizes
• triangular bandage
• steri-strips

Equipment should include:

• scissors
• tweezers
• bulb syringe
• cotton-tipped swabs
• paper cups
• blanket
• thermometer
• disposable instant ice bag
• nail clippers
• SAM splint

Medications should include:

• acetaminophen
• ibuprofen
• antiseptic solution and wipes
• antibiotic ointment or cream
• hydrocortisone cream
• burn cream
• bee sting kit, if one has a known sensitivity to bee stings

Miscellaneous items should include:

• first aid manual
• instant hot/cold packs
• hydrogen peroxide or betadine solution
• vasoline or petroleum jelly
• flashlight
• tissues
• soap or hand wash
• safety pins
• disposable gloves
• small roll of duct tape
• matches in a waterproof container
• extra batteries for cell phone or electronics