First Aid Kit

A first aid kit may be needed at home, on a vacation, or while hiking or camping. The kit should be kept in a small portable box. The following items should be included:

• Band-Aids
• Sterile gauze pads - both regular and nonstick type
• Adhesive tape (1/2-inch width)
• Steri-Strips (for closing minor cuts)
• Small bar of soap

  (Note: Hydrogen peroxide solution is unnecessary. It's no better than soap and water for cleaning wounds.)

• Alcohol wipes
• Elastic bandage (for sprained ankle)
• Triangular bandage (for sprained ankle or arm injury, or as a tourniquet)
• Needle and tweezers (for removing slivers or ticks)
• Razor blade (for poisonous snake bite)
• Small scissors
• Meat tenderizer powder for bee stings
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Adrenalin and syringe (optional, needed if a family member has a severe allergy to bee stings)
• A list of allergies and medicines for each person in the family
• Extra supplies for hiking or camping:
  • Compass
  • Whistle
  • Flashlight
  • Matches
• Optional medicines for camping:
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Hydrocortisone cream
  • Antihistamines such as Benadryl
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen