Home First Aid Kit Checklist

A home first aid kit could mean the difference between life and death.

Every home should have a first aid kit to be prepared for minor and even major emergencies. If you are a parent, you know that cuts, scrapes and insect bites occur nearly everyday. Having one place where all of your medicine and supplies are ready when you need them can eliminate feeling overwhelmed and confused.. You can buy prepackaged kits, but they are usually small and the supplies in them are quite limited. Making your own ensures that you have nearly anything you could possibly need in light of a minor or major emergency. Having all of these supplies ready when necessary could possibly save the life of someone you love. It's important that you have them prepared and organized in case of an emergency.

The first thing to do is find or purchase some type of box to hold and organize your first aid supplies. The best most people have found to be is a fisherman's tackle box. It has many various sized compartments nearly perfect for separating medical supplies.

Supplies You Need for Your First Aid Kit:

Ace Wrapping Bandage (for sprains, etc.)

Antibiotic Ointment

Antiseptic Wipes (alcohol)

Antibiotic Hand Cleanser

Bandages (all sizes, flexible fabric)

Betadine Solution (topical antiseptic)

Birthing Kit (OB kit)

Blanket

Blood Pressure Unit

Burn Gel (draws the heat out)

Burn Ointment (antibiotic and pain relief)

Butterfly Stitches

Calamine Lotion

Cotton Balls

Cotton Tip Applicators

CPR Mask

Disposable Gloves

Ear Drops

Ear scope

Epinephrine Auto-Injector for Severe Allergic Reactions

Eye Wash

Eye Pads

Flashlight

Face Mask

Gauze (various sizes)

Hand Sanitizer

Hydrocortisone Ointment (for rashes and itching)

Insect Bite Kit

Instant Cold Pack

Instant, Disposable Heat Packs

Magnifying Glass

Reflex Hammer

Rubbing Alcohol

Safety Pins

Scissors

Smelling Salts

Snake Bite Kit

Sponges

Sterile Pads

Stethoscope

Thermometer

Tourniquet

Tongue Depressor

Tweezers

Wet Wipes

Medicine to Include in Your Home First Aid Kit:

Acetaminophen

Acid Reducers

Anti-Diarrhea Medicine

Antihistamine

Activated Charcoal and Ipecac Syrup to treat ingested poison (you should only use when told to by a Poison Control Center, or other medical professional)

Aspirin

Beverages to use to treat dehydration , especially for infants

Cough Syrup

Decongestant Medicine

Dental Repair Kit

Laxatives

Oral Syringe or Cup for administering medicine

Suppositories for Hemorrhoids

Other Items to Include:

A phone number card for the emergency response, Poison Control Center, and other such phone numbers you would need in an emergency

CPR Instruction Card

First Aid Guide Book

After putting together your home first aid kit you should maintain the supplies. Check the supplies at least every six months. Take inventory, and restock those that are getting low or are used up. You may find that you need to do this more often than every six months, so at first you may need to check it every three months, and then determine when you need to take inventory. Check all of the expiration dates on medicines and other supplies, and throw out any that have expired or are close to expiration. A home first aid kit is important to have for any home, with kids or without. You will feel much safer and less panicked in a time of need with medical supplies organized and ready for use.

© Demand Media 2011