Building a Proper First Aid Kit

You may be guilty of feeling prepared because you spent $5.00 to $25.00 on a wal-mart first aid. After all it is better than nothing. Although it is better than nothing it is not much better.

I want to provide a comprehensive list of items that should be in every family first aid kit. If you don't have it you should get it. Most of the items that I will list can be found at wal mart, a local medical supply store, or the internet. I will include some links that have helped me in building my own family kit and medical closet.

I know that I am a bit over the top, especially in this department, but I have seen first hand what happens when families are not medically prepared. I don't expect you to be like me and have everything short of the ambulance itself, but please be sure to have the proper tools. We will work on training more later.

Be sure to have items that are applicable to your family situation.

• Do you have young children that may require special needs, such as: formula, medication, suppositories, bottles, pacifiers, etc? You may have these needs addressed in a 72 hour kit, but you should always have your first aid kit with you. You will likely not have your 72 hour kit when the need arises. If your first aid kit travels from your car to your home and back to your car, you will appreciate having these items if you need them.
• Are there other medications or allergy response devices like Epi-Pens in your first aid kit? Probably not, if it is a Wal Mart Kit.
• Be sure to have an adequate supply.
• If you are an asthmatic or have heart trouble, be sure to include Nitroglycerin and an inhaler in your kit.
• If you are a diabetic, be sure to have both glucose, insulin and any medication that you may be prescribed. Also be sure to include a blood sugar testing device, as well as a sharps container in your first aid kit.
• If you have other health needs, be sure that your first aid kit adequately covers your worst possible scenario. (this may save your life or the life of your spouse)

Basic Needs of a Proper First Aid Kit

#1 PPE (Personal, Protective Equipment)

• Latex, Nitrile Examination Gloves (Get a lot of them. They are cheap and can be used for many household uses)
• CPR Protector (do not put your mouth on anyone, unless they are your spouse or child, whose medical history you know)
• Particulate Masks

http://www.masksnmore.com/medicalmasks.html

http://stores.ebay.com/Express-Medical-Supply-Inc

#2 Kerlix, Gauze Wraps.

• Kerlix has many uses in first aid. Get a lot of it. It is cheap and belongs in abundance in every first aid kit.

#3 Trauma Shears

#4 Digital Thermometer

#5 4x4 Gauze pieces. (many)

#6 Multiple Sizes of Gauze (many)

#7 Sterile Water

#8 Eye Irrigation

#9 Alcohol Pads

#10 Regular band aids / Triple Anti Biotic Ointment (Neosporin)

#11 Flash Light or Pen Light

#12 Blood Pressure Cuff and Stethoscope

#13 Sam Splints (at least two. These will come rolled or folded)

#14 Cold Compress or Cold Packs

#15 Hand Warmers

#16 Over the Counter Medications

#17 Razor Blades

#18 Any Personal Medical Needs

#19 Medical Tape (Get a lot, it is cheap and used regularly. Just think of all of the times you have needed tape and didn't have it.)

#20 Optional:

• Sharps container
• Glucometer
• Activated Charcoal
• Glucose
• Hemostats
• Inhalants
• Sun Block
• Other Ointments
• Insect Repellent

http://stores.ebay.com/Express-Medical-Supply-Inc