What's in a First Aid Kit?
The Well-Stocked Medicine Chest or Emergency Kit Should Have Basics
What are the basics to have on hand for any emergency, disaster or in case of illness? How often do they need to be replaced?
A well-stocked medicine chest or first aid kit should be contain several items at all times. It should be checked at least every three months for expiration dates and supplies replenished as they are used.
In areas where natural disasters are more likely to happen such as earthquakes or tornadoes, an emergency kit should be kept in the house in a safe place where it would have the best chance of surviving a disaster. This could be in a closet in the center of the house or under a stairway.
Another kit should be in the car in case of quick evacuation. The contents of these emergency kits will include many more items.
Keep Out of Reach of Young Children
Take care to see that the kit is kept out of the reach of children because it contains medications and sharp instruments. It should contain a list of emergency phone numbers such as family physicians, dentists, and pharmacies. The local poison control center number should be included, as well as the local emergency room. A neighbor and a next of kin should also be listed.
The Equipment
The kit should contain a pair of sharp but rounded scissors, tweezers, a thermometer, and a couple of instant ice packs. (The kind that activate when smacked and then squeezed.) There should also be an oral medication syringe and some matches. A few pairs of vinyl or latex gloves would be handy as well. A flashlight and extra batteries is a must.
It should contain an assortment of bandages from butterfly closures to gauze pads and a couple of rolls of sterile gauze and adhesive tape. Elastic bandages in a couple of sizes is recommended as well. A few sterile cotton balls and swabs should be in the kit as well.
Solutions and Medications
Next add in an eyewash solution, some hydrogen peroxide and a bottle of saline solution. This could be either a saline wound wash or even contact lens saline. A tube of antibiotic or antiseptic ointment should be on hand as well.
Typical medications to have on hand include aspirin, Ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. A cough suppressant medication, antihistamines and decongestants should also be available. If there are children in the household, be sure to include the children's formulas as well. An emetic such as Ipecac to induce vomiting is useful as well, but be sure to contact the Poison Control Center before inducing vomiting. This is not always the recommended procedure.
Rotate and Replenish Stock
The medications should be rotated and replaced as used. They will expire. Hydrogen peroxide will lose its fizz and potency once opened. It's inexpensive and should be replaced. Check the dates on the eyewash and saline solutions as well as the antibiotic/antiseptic ointments. These should be applied to the gauze, bandage, or cotton swab and not directly to any wound (or fingers). Discard them if contaminated.
Bandages will age and can lose their adhesive properties. They can also lose their sterility if exposed to the elements. They should be rotated and replaced periodically.
Treat and Then Seek Professional Care
Be sure to seek medical attention for deep or puncture wounds, sprains or strains and of course suspected broken bones. Persistent coughs and fevers should be reviewed and any suspected poisoning needs emergency care.
