You should have the basic first aid kit contents in your home because sooner or later every family needs one. Whether you cut yourself on a knife while chopping vegetables or your kindergartner burns herself on a hot pot, you will want to deal with the problem quickly and efficiently. No home should be without one. You will need to keep some basic essentials in your kit to ensure you are covered for a variety of minor accidents and health issues.
Adhesive bandages
These are one of the things that will get used the most in your first aid kit, especially if you have kids. You will want to make sure you have plenty of them and that you have a variety of shapes and sizes. Regular size bandages will suffice for most things, but having a few larger ones is wise. The small ones are perfect for tiny cuts on young children.
Other Types of Bandages
Gauze bandages are helpful for large scrapes or burns. The 4 x 4 sterile gauze bandages are also great for cleaning cuts and scrapes. You will want to keep medical adhesive tape on hand as well for taping down the gauze. You can also buy very large bandages that do not need tape. An Ace bandage is a handy item to have on hand for minor sprains.
Medicines
Your first aid kit is not the place to store prescription medications, but you will want to have some simple over-the-counter items available. Anesthetic sprays or lotions provide relief from sunburn, insect bites and rashes. Antibiotic cream prevents infections in minor open wounds and is a must in your kit. Cough medicine, aspirin, ibuprofen and anti-diarrhea medicines are helpful during cold and flu season. Other helpful medications are charcoal, in case of accidental poisoning, and children's versions of over-the-counter medicines.
Other Necessary Items
Other items you will want to have in your first aid kit include:
Plan on Several First Aid Kits
It's not only good to be prepared by having a first aid kit in your home, it's wise to have one for other places as well. You should carry one in your car, in your diaper bag and in things like a beach bag. This way you will be prepared for minor emergencies no matter where you are. If you have young children or babies, a separate first aid kit just for them is also a good idea.
 | You must learn how to treat cuts and scrapes as soon as your infant can crawl and walk, and be prepared to deal with minor wounds in a confident manner. |
 | You need to know the severity and the source before you can provide first aid for burns. |
Everyone should have these items in a first aid kit in their home. Since I don't work at home and am probably more prone to injuries on the job, I also have a workplace first-aid kit in my truck. |
Outdoor first aid kits need to be stocked with extra supplies, in case you need to leave an injured person behind while you search for help. |
Every home should have a basic First Aid Kit. You'll be able to handle almost any minor medical emergency with the right supplies. Moreover, in the event of a serious medical emergency, your First Aid Kit may be able to help you stay in control of the situation until medical personnel arrive. So what belongs in a basic First Aid Kit? |
