First aid kits should be easily accessible and fully stocked in the home and in each vehicle you drive. Ready-made first aid kits are available in stores, but you can make your own by putting together your favorite products and customizing contents to specific needs, such as back-up insulin for diabetics in the family. Use a plastic tool kit or tackle box that stores easily and has a handle.
Antiseptics
Keep a sterile cleansing agent and cream that can stave off infections for open wounds.
Bandages
Include a few basic small bandages, half a dozen 2- and 4-inch sterile gauze pads and two or three rolls of sterile rolled bandages.
Pain Relievers
Use regular aspirin and one other pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to treat fever and pain until you can get medical treatment.
Tools
Have an assortment of tools including tweezers, scissors, needles and a thermometer.
Lubricant
Put a small container of petroleum jelly or other lubricant in the kit to keep injured areas moist.
Stomach
Ipecac induces vomiting when needed. Anti-diarrhea medicine can help prevent dehydration and laxatives and antacids can help relieve stomach distress.
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