Recommended Contents for a Home First Aid Kit

An effective first-aid kit contains all of the basic supplies you would need to handle an emergency. You can purchase a first-aid kit and then personalize it with specific items that your family may need, or you can gather all of the necessary items and make your own kit. Once the kit is assembled, it should be checked regularly to ensure that no items have expired or need to be replaced.

Medications

• The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) recommends that acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin be included in a first-aid kit. For families with children, remember to include children's medications and any necessary droppers or measuring devices. ACEP also suggests adding cough suppressant, antihistamine and decongestant tablets. Antibiotic ointment should be included in every first-aid kit, and the Red Cross recommends including hydrocortisone cream as well.

Bandages and Wraps

• Stock a first-aid kit with adhesive bandages in assorted sizes. Roller and triangular bandages, gauze and absorbent compress dressings should also be included. Remember to pack something to secure bandages, such as cloth tape, bandage closures or safety pins.

Disinfectants

• Items should be included to disinfect wounds and injuries, as well as aid in cleanup. The Red Cross recommends that antiseptic wipe packets be placed in first-aid kits. Hydrogen peroxide is another good disinfectant to store.

Other Supplies

• Keep instruments you might need in an emergency in your kit. According to ACEP, tweezers, a thermometer, instant-activating cold packs and sharp scissors with rounded tips should be included in a first-aid kit. The Red Cross recommends that first-aid kits include a first-aid instruction booklet for use in an emergency, gloves, a breathing barrier for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a blanket. A flashlight with fresh batteries can come in handy.

Personal Items

• A well-stocked first-aid kit should include a list of emergency phone numbers, a list of any life-threatening allergies that family members have, a list of medications taken by people in the home, any necessary medical items recommended by your doctor and any prescription medications that your household members may need in an emergency, according to the Red Cross.