First Aid Kits for Home and Away

You can download this article as a PDF (English, Spanish).

Are you ready?

Having a well-stocked first aid kit handy will help you take care of injuries at home and on the go. You can buy a first aid kit or make one out of a lunch box, tote bag or tackle box.

Kit Contents

Information:

• Emergency phone numbers: 911, Poison Center, doctor, dentist and crisis line
• First aid book

Supplies:

• Band-Aids in assorted sizes
• Gauze pads and rolled gauze
• Adhesive tape
• Instant cold pack (disposable)
• Elastic roller bandage, like an Ace bandage
• Safety pins
• Triangular bandage (to wrap injury or make an arm sling)
• Cotton swabs and balls
• Bottle of water
• Soap
• Antiseptic wipes
• Thermometer
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Plastic gloves (2 pairs)
• Tweezers
• Scissors with rounded tips
• Space blanket or regular blanket (stored nearby)

Medicines:

• Acetaminophen, like Tylenol
• Ibuprofen, like Advil
• Aspirin (do not give aspirin to children under 12)
• Anti-itch medicine taken by mouth, like Benadryl (antihistamine)
• Electrolyte solution, like Pedialyte
• Calamine lotion
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antibiotic cream
• Aloe vera gel
• Saline wash
• Naloxone (stored away from direct sunlight and kept between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.)

Tips for Use

• Keep this list with your kit. Check it yearly, and replace missing and old items.
• Keep a kit in your home and in each car.
• Know the location of the first aid kit where you work.
• Remember to bring a first aid kit on trips.
• Show your babysitters and older children where the kit is.
• Keep the kit where adults can easily reach it, but young children can’t.
• Post the number for the Poison Center near each phone and add it to your contacts in your cell phone: 800-222-1222. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that syrup of ipecac no longer be used in the home to treat poisoning.
• Consider taking a first aid and CPR class. Contact your local fire department, hospital or American Red Cross chapter to find out about classes.
• Consider keeping a disaster supplies kit with your home first aid kit.

Related Resources

• Symptom Checker and Care Advice
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosage Table (PDF)
• Ibuprofen (Motrin) Dosage Table (PDF)
• Medicine Safety Reminders All Parents Should Know
• Safe Medicine Storage and Disposal to Prevent Misuse