How to Stock a First-Aid Kit

A first-aid kit that is well-stocked is an important item to have whether you are at home, on the road, on vacation or on a camping trip. Having basic items in this kit will enable you to respond quickly to emergencies until more profession help can be sought. First-aid kits are available in different arrangements and formats. You can purchase one from the Red Cross, the local drug store or an army surplus store. If you are so inclined, you can also make your own.

A first-aid kit should not only have all the items you need but should also include items related to your individual needs such as medications, phone numbers for emergencies or other items suggested by your health-care provider. Once you have a first aid kit, it also needs to be checked regularly and maintained. If it has a flashlight, make sure the batteries work. If there are items with expiration dates, make sure they have not expired but if they have, replace them with new items.

There are some basic items which first aid kits should have. One of these is bandages. Bandages can range from simple Band-Aids to larger square bandages with adhesives. Under the category of bandages are gauze pads to protect more complex wounds and ace bandages for sprains and related injuries. Rolls of gauze should be included which can be cut as needed as well as adhesive tape for securing the gauze and ace bandages.

The first aid kit should also contain various types of treatments. One of these would be an anti-septic for cleaning a wound to prevent infection. Another item is an instant hot-and-cold pack and the kit should have several of them as they can only be used once for the treatment of swelling after a sprain or other injury. A medication to treat pain, like aspirin, should also be included and can be in a container or in a packet. Another treatment to prevent infection is the use of an antibiotic ointment. This can come in a small tube or as ointment packets of approximately one gram. If you use the packets, then you should have five of them. Some hydrocortisone ointment would help to stop itching from a rash caused by a reaction to a plant and antihistamines would be needed if someone in your group has allergies and needs immediate attention for an allergic reaction.

Tools are another set of items that need to be included in a first aid kit. Such items would be a small pair of scissors for cutting tape, gauze or ace bandages and tweezers for removing splinters. Latex gloves can be used to protect yourself from contaminants while treating others.

First-aid kits are designed to treat minor issues or to handle more major injuries until professional assistance can be reached and arrives. It is therefore important that your first aid kit have emergency numbers for local contacts as well as for those who might be contacted when on vacation or camping so you can get help quickly. Emergency medical personnel will need medical background information such as medications taken or allergies for each member of the family in order to be able to make the proper treatments.