When making a checklist for a vacation or needs for the office, a major item that often gets left out is a first aid kit. Even though you may have some tissues or a colorful bandage tucked away in the bottom of your purse or in your wallet, there are more things you need to have close in case of an accident or injury. After all, a first aid kit is the first line of defense until you can seek medical attention.
Don’t know where to start? Take some of the items below into consideration for your current needs. Keep in mind that you can have different first aid kits for different situations. A first aid kit for your car could be different from a first aid kit for your bathroom cabinet.
Standard First Aid Kit
- Bandages of varying sizes
- Gauze pads in varying sizes
- Elastic bandages
- A small pair of scissors
- Tweezers
- Antiseptic wipes
- Saline wound rinse
- Pain relief medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Antibacterial cream
- Allergy medicine and cream
- Anti-diarrhea medication (loperamide)
- Gloves (non-latex)
- Adhesive tape
- Thermometer
- Instant cold press
Other Items to Consider for Children and Seniors
- Rectal thermometer
- Nasal aspirator
- Children’s pain relief medication (liquid or chewable acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
Going on Vacation
- Sunscreen
- Emergency numbers
- Medication list, including all prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Health history including allergies and health care provider contact numbers
- After sun gel (aloe vera)
- Insect bite relief
- Hand sanitizer
- Appropriate quantity of all prescription medications
- Over-the-counter pain relief medication
- Auto injectable epinephrine
- Any routinely used self-monitoring devices (glucometer, BP monitor)
- CPAP machine, if used at home for sleep apnea
- An extra blanket or emergency blanket
- Water
- Physical map or compass
Having a first aid kit helps save lives by providing confidence in the victim and rescuer as tools are readily available to give immediate care. A first aid kit can quickly reduce the possibility of an accident becoming deadly. After the incident is addressed with the first aid kit, be sure to dial 911 for professional help or go to your nearest urgent care or hospital if necessary.
Have more questions? Contact our UofL Health – Outpatient Pharmacy located within UofL Health – UofL Hospital at 502-562-3571. Our pharmacists can provide pharmaceutical services in all critical care and general medicine area. Unlike other pharmacies, our pharmacy has ongoing relationships with your medical staff and provides a comprehensive range of services.
