A well-stocked first-aid kit could save your life - or that of someone you love. Here's how to create a good first-aid kit, including a shopping list of supplies.

What You Need in Your Family First Aid Kit

by Robin Shortt

Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently - more frequently than most of us realize. Statistics show a fatal injury occurs every 18 minutes in homes across America and every 4 seconds a disabling injury could occur. Accidents occur from falls, fire, burns, choking and poisoning.

Every home should have at least one first Aid Kit that is well stocked and readily available. First Aid Kits are used most often for minor injuries such as cuts, sunburns or bites, but having a well stocked First Aid Kit available can save someone's life in a serious accident.

A First Aid Kit won't be any good to you if you don't know how to use it. Make sure you have a guide in your kit from a reliable source. It should have the latest medical advice and be easy to understand, particularly when you are under stress.

There are 5 categories that are imperative in your First Aid Kit

1. Instruments

Pointed tweezers for removing splinters
Disposable latex or non latex gloves
Small rounded-tipped scissors for cutting tape, clothes or bandages
Breathing Barrier for performing CPR
Thermometer-either digital or mercury
Ice Bag
Eye Patches
Oral medicine syringe
Bandages that are good quality. A variety of all sizes to dress a variety of wounds
One dozen individually wrapped sterile gauze pads 2" X 2"
Six non-stick gauze bandages
Six individually wrapped sterile gauze pads 4" X 4"
One roll 2" gauze bandage
One roll 5" gauze bandage
Elastic bandages
Triangular Bandages
Adhesive Tape

2. Antiseptics

Antiseptics such as Hydrogen Peroxide to kill germs.
Antibacterial cream or ointment . This is good for cuts ,scrapes and insect bites.

3. Medicines

Over the counter medicines such as antihistamine
cough suppressant
aspirin
syrup of ipecac in case someone ingests poison. This should only be used after calling the Poison Control Center first.

4. Keeping your First Aid Kit Updated

Your First Aid Kit should be checked once a year, possibly the same day you check your smoke detectors, to be sure it is fully stocked and nothing has expired. Make sure you always make a note of anything you use out of your Kit so it can easily be replaced.

5. Storing your First Aid Kit

Make sure you store your First Aid Kit in a tote bag or plastic container that will keep your kit clean and dry and easily accessible in your home. It is recommended to have one on each floor in your home and workshop. Make sure everyone in your home knows where they are and how to use it. It could save the life of someone in your family.

About the Author
Val and Robin Shortt are experienced campers and own three outdoor websites For more tips like these and to register for their Free newsletter visit: Good Night Camping Equipment