The Items to Make a First Aid Box

Before buying the bits and pieces for a first aid box, think of how the kit will be used. Kits for home use will not have all the same products as those for office use. Take into consideration the number of people the box may have to supply, especially if there are children. All home emergency kits should have a list of family members, their medical conditions and allergies, and any medications currently being taken.

Bandages

• First aid kits need a variety of bandages.

  Bandages come in a myriad of shapes and sizes for all sorts of applications. there are a few that first aid kits should be stocked with, including a box of adhesive bandages, 1 roll of a 3-inch wide bandage, 1 roll of a 4-inch wide bandage, 5 3x3-inch sterile gauze pads, 5 4x4 inch sterile gauze pads, and 2 triangular bandages.

Medications

• Include common medications in the first aid kit.

  In addition to bandages, there are some staple medications to keep in a first aid kit. These are just guidelines, and if other medications are commonly used, they should also be included. The suggested medications are 5 antibiotic ointment packets, 5 antiseptic wipes, 2 packets of aspirin, and 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets. Acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory can be substituted for the aspirin.

Tools

• Tweezers are crucial for pulling out pesky splinters.

  Every kit needs to have a few tools that are common to first aid. Consider having some duplicates of these tools in a few locations. The suggested tools are 1 CPR breathing barrier, 1 instant cold compress, 2 pair of non-latex gloves, scissors, an oral thermometer, tweezers, 1 space blanket and a first aid instruction booklet. All of the bandages, medications and tools are available at drugstores and other retailers.