Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and aspirin tablets: For headaches, pain, fever, and simple sprains or strains of the body. (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 the advice of a poison control center or a hospital emergency department.)
Elastic Bandages: For wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries and holding larger gauze or trauma pads in place. 2-3 inch wide is preferred
Triangular Bandage: For wrapping injuries and making an arm sling.
Scissors with rounded tips.
Adhesive tape and 2 inch gauze: For dressing wounds.
Paper tape should generally be avoided for immediate first aid use because it doesn't stick as well. Elastic tape conforms better to the body.
Instant Activating Cold Compresses: For icing down injuries.
A traditional ice bag is effective over the long term, but for immediate use to combat swelling where every second makes a difference, nothing beats these instant cold bags.
Bandages of assorted sizes: For covering minor cuts and scrapes.
Elastic knit cloth type bandages stick better and stay on longer
Don't forget to include specialty bandages for knuckles and fingertips.
Waterproof adhesive bandages may be needed
Antibiotic Ointment: For cuts and scrapes.
Disinfectant and Cleansing Solution: For cleaning and disinfecting cuts and scrapes.
Povidone Iodine 10% solution (Betadine is the most widely known brand name) is excellent, also available as a soap which works better for cleaning scrapes with lots of debris.
For those who are allergic to iodine, use an anibacterial soap
Burn Treatment (optional): For minor burns only. Aloe works well
Burn Dressings: To keep burns moist, also useful for blisters.
Gauze in rolls and in 2- and 4inch pads: For dressing wounds.
A roll each of 2- and 3-inch gauze. Lots of 2-inch gauze pads/gauze sponges are useful for cleaning up the wound and surrounding area.
Wound closure or suture strips: For taping cut edges of skin together. (often called Butterfly type bandages)
Tweezers: To remove small splinters and ticks.
Safety pins: To fasten splints and bandages.
Rubber gloves: To protect your hands and reduce the risk of infection when treating open wounds.
Nitrile gloves (available from medical supply houses) are better than latex and the only good choice for those with a latex allergy.
CPR Mask: To protect against the transfer of bodily fluids in case CPR is required.
First Aid Manual. First Aid and CPR training ahead of time is a good idea
List of emergency phone numbers. Both local and out of area contacts are important
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