First Aid
| Every home should have a first aid kit. However, in an emergency you want a more extensive kit (with all of the materials still inside). If you occasionally dip into your disaster first aid kit for household emergencies, make sure that you replenish it before a disaster occurs. | |||
| Should Have: | |||
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Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex) | ||
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Sterile dressings to stop bleeding | ||
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Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect | ||
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Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection | ||
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Burn ointment to prevent infection | ||
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Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes | ||
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Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant | ||
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Thermometer | ||
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Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates. | ||
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Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies | ||
| Nice to Have: | |||
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Cell Phone (not necessarily IN the first aid kit, but available) | ||
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Scissors | ||
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Tweezers | ||
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Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant | ||
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Non-prescription drugs: | ||
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Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever | ||
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Anti-diarrhea medication | ||
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Antacid (for upset stomach) | ||
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Laxative | ||
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Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center) | ||
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Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center) | ||
The American Red Cross recommends the following for a home first aid kit: |
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(20) adhesive bandages, various sizes | ||
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(1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing | ||
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(1) conforming roller gauze bandage | ||
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(2) triangular bandages | ||
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(2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads | ||
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(2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads | ||
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(1) roll 3" cohesive bandage | ||
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(2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer | ||
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(6) antiseptic wipes | ||
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(2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves | ||
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Adhesive tape, 2" width | ||
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Anti-bacterial ointment | ||
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Cold pack | ||
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Scissors (small, personal) | ||
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Tweezers | ||
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CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield | ||
