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First Aid Kits

There is never a good time to get sick or injured, and if you have children, then you know that they somehow have the innate ability to get hurt at the worst possible moment. Often the difference between being "lucky" or not is being prepared.

One of the best things you can do help yourself be "lucky" is have a first aid kit. If you have a kit take a look at it. Have all the items been used and all that's left are a couple Band-Aids? Is the kit from your grand father's experience in World War II? Or may be you've never got around to putting a kit together?

Well, here are some helpful ideas that could be potentially lifesaving. First, the supplies should be kept in a convenient place in your home, and all family members old enough to use them should know where they are. Remember to try and keep those items in a separate box so they don't get used for other purposes. In addition, some items in the first aid kit are potentially dangerous for children, so keeping the box locked or out of reach is also a good idea.

Many companies sell prepackaged first aid kits, but you might be able to assemble your own from items that you probably already have on hand. Having a separate carrying case for them is a good thing. First they can be easily transported when needed in an emergency and second, if you only use the kit for emergencies, then you will know you have everything you need to deal with the situation.

Also, in this case, more is probably better, so here is a detailed list of items you might want to consider putting in your first aid kit.

Thermometer
Tweezers and needle
Hand cleanser/soap
Scissors
Safety pins
Bulb syringe
An accurate measuring device
Insect repellent
Disposable latex gloves
Disposable, instant ice bags
Paper tissues or a roll of toilet paper
A lightweight blanket
Adolph's Meat Tenderizer (mix with water to make a paste for bug bites)
Aloe vera gel (for sunburns and skin irritations)
Hydrogen peroxide
Rubbing alcohol
Eye drops
Lip balm
Pepto Bismol (for upset stomachs, diarrhea)
Antacid tablets
Dramamine
Children's and adult's decongestant and antihistamine (antihistamine often is helpful in handling any minor allergic reactions)
Acetaminophen (children's and adult's pain reliever)
Calamine lotion (to soothe sunburns, bug bites, poison ivy)
Antibiotic cream
Laxative
Sun block
Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting in case of poisoning and give only when directed by the Poison Control Center or the doctor)
Activated charcoal to absorb poisons in the stomach (give only when directed by the Poison Control Center or the doctor)
Petroleum jelly
Prescription medicines, and their prescriptions
First aid manual
Change for a telephone call
Adhesive bandage strips or surgical tape
Butterfly bandages
Elastic wraps: for the wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow
Adhesive tape
Sterile cotton balls, eye patches and gauze pads
Adhesive and gauze wrapping in rolls
Triangular bandage: for wrapping injuries and making a sling.
Flashlight with extra batteries
Penlight
Identification card listing your name, address, phone number and the name and phone number of someone who can be contacted in an emergency
Medical insurance card
Telephone numbers for your doctors
Paper and pencil
Razor blade
CPR Shield
Paper cups

In addition, you should keep a first aid kit in your car and make sure to take one when traveling, especially if you are going to be outside (i.e. hiking, camping, etc.). A few minutes of preparation and a couple bucks invested in a kit is a small price to pay for peace of mind. Remember the life you may be saving could be your own.