It is important for every household to have a good first aid kit. Accidents happen, and when they do, it’s best to be prepared. While there are many great first aids kits out there at good prices, creating your own first aid kit will force you to become acquainted with all of its items and their uses. This way you will be more likely to use them correctly in an emergency situation.

You’ll want to have some sort of manual included as well. While you may understand how everything works right now, in an emergency situation with the adrenaline running, our minds have a tendency to go blank. At the very least, print this page out and include it in your kit.

Here’s a list of various items found in first aid kits. The choice is yours as to what to include, but always remember to err on the side of caution. Better to have too much than not enough.

Protective Gear
Exam gloves- used to help prevent infection, from the injured to the person administering first aid and vice versa.
Surgical mask- used to protect from airborne pathogens, pollutants and other nasty stuff.

Tools and Equipment
Scissors- cutting bandages, multiple other uses.
Tweezers- used to remove dirt from wounds, splinters, tics.
Lighter- used to sterilize scissors, needles, etc. among other uses.
Irrigation syringe- used to clean out wounds.
Thermometer- to measure body temperature (must be a thermometer made for this purpose).
Space blanket- used to preserve body heat while waiting for help to arrive.
Penlight- used to inspect wounds, body cavities, and general first aid administration in dark environments.

Trauma
Adhesive bandages (aka Band-Aids)- used for cuts and blisters. Remember to clean the wound daily!
Elastic bandages- used for sprains and for fashioning splints.
Sterile gauze- used to absorb blood or cushion a wound. The disinfectant nature will help avoid infection and aid in healing.
Moleskin- used to prevent and treat blisters.
Soap- used with water to clean and disinfect a wounded area.
Antiseptic- used when soap and water aren’t available.
Alcohol pads- used as an option for antiseptic.
Burn dressing- used to dress burns. It helps with healing and avoiding blisters.
Adhesive tape- used to hold gauze in place, make splints, and hold cuts together until they can be stitched.
Instant cold pack- Used to reduce swelling in sprains and bruises.

Medication
Asprin- used as an anti-inflammatory.
Painkillers- used to treat pain.
Epipen- used to treat anaphylactic shock (only necessary if someone in your household has a serious allergy).
Anti diarrhea- to stay comfortable and avoid dehydration.

ABC (airway, breathing and circulation)
Face shield- allows CPR to be administered without direct mouth-to-mouth contact.

To house your items, a case, box, or pouch will work fine. Place it in an area that is out of the reach of children, but easily accessible in an emergency. Occasionally review your items and how they work, so you’ll know how to use them should an emergency situation arise.

Good luck and stay prepared!

You can read more from RamboMoe at preparedforthat.com.