Injury Prevention

First Aid Kits for Home and Away

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

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Open First Aid Kit

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

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. See our class options, or contact your local fire department, hospital or American Red Cross chapter to find out about their classes.
  • Consider keeping a disaster supplies kit with your home first aid kit.