First Aid Must Haves

There are certain items that should be in everyone’s first-aid kit. Here’s a link to suggestions from eMedicineHealth website’s list for household first-aid kits. It covers all of the usual things from tweezers to disposable gloves.

Below I’ve listed some items that I think everyone should also have on hand.

1. Benadryl — This is for allergic reactions. Keep both the liquid oral form (you can keep the pill form if you have no small children in your household) as well as the topical ointment on hand.
2. Triple Antibiotic Ointment — This can prevent infections to minor wounds or scratches.
3. Powdered Gatorade — Choose a flavor that your family will like. I keep orange flavor on hand. This will restore electrolytes lost after stomach flu or vomiting.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide — This can treat everything from mild cuts and abrasions to swimmer’s ear.
5. Rubbing alcohol. Yes, it stings, but it can prevent infection.
6. Fabric bandages of all sizes — To go over cuts and can also be used on broken toes to help set them. Make sure not to cut off circulation, though!
7. Ice packs. Keep them frozen and ready to go. In a pinch, you can use bags of frozen vegetables (just don’t refreeze them when you’re done!). If you ate all of your vegetables, then try using a Ziploc bag filled with ice cubes and wrap it in a towel.
8. Elastic bandages — They can be wrapped around sprained ankles or wrists.
9. Syrup of Ipecac — This induces vomiting in case someone has ingested something they shouldn’t have. There are some substances that shouldn’t be treated this way — check with the Poison Control Center before administering. Call this number to reach your local Poison Control number in the US and territories: 1-800-222-1222.
10. Bactine spray. For owies. It soothes and cleans the small wounds and scratches that children often complain of.
11. Tylenol — For minor pain or headaches.
12. Advil LiquiGels — I highly recommend this form of Ibuprofen because it seems to kick in much faster. I use it for migraines and to treat my son’s minor sports injuries. It can also reduce swelling. It can also be used to treat menstrual cramps if you’re out of Midol.
13. Optional — I’m diabetic, so I keep glucose tablets on hand.

I consulted with a friend who is a Registered Nurse, to see if she had any other suggestions to make. Here’s what she added:

14. Warm Compress — If you need a warm compress, you can moisten a face towel, place it in an OPEN Ziploc bag and heat it in the microwave for one minute. Seal it and wrap in a towel.
15. Aspirin — If you think you’re having a heart attack or stroke, take one adult aspirin before heading to the emergency room. It can help save your life! Generally an aspirin is the first thing an emergency room will administer if heart attack or stroke is suspected.