Wednesday Quick Tip (2)

When's the last time you went through your first aid kit and made sure it was properly stocked? Do you still have an old bottle of acetominophine in there that expired in 2004? Ideally, you should have at the very least two first aid kits, one in your house and one in your car, and everyone in the family should know where they are kept.

The American College of Emergency Physicians offers this list of items all first aid kits should contain:

Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and aspirin tablets: For headaches, pain, fever, and simple sprains or strains. (Aspirin should not be used for relief of flu symptoms or given to children.)

Ipecac syrup and activated charcoal: For treatment after ingestion of certain poisons. (Use only on advice of a poison control center or the emergency department.)

Elastic Wraps: For wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries.

Triangular Bandages: For wrapping injuries and making an arm sling.

Scissors with rounded tips.

Adhesive tape and 2" gauze: For dressing wounds.

Disposable, instant ice bags: For icing injuries and treating high fevers.

Bandages of assorted sizes: For covering minor cuts and scrapes.

Antibiotic ointment: For minor burns, cuts, and scrapes.

Gauze in rolls and in 2" and 4" pads: For dressing wounds

Bandage Closures: 1/4" and 1": For taping cut edges together.

Tweezers: To remove small splinters and ticks.

Safety pins: To fasten bandages.

Rubber gloves: to protect yourself and reduce the risk of infection when treating open wounds.

First Aid Manual
List of emergency telephone numbers.

Check your local discount stores and dollar stores for any items you might be missing or need to replace. Accidents do happen. It never hurts to be prepared.