You can purchase well-stocked first aid kits at your local drug store or online at www.redcrossshop.org.

Every home should have at least one first aid kit to help you take care of common injuries and emergencies. Keep your first aid supplies in an easy-to-carry case and make sure everyone in the family knows where it is. You can buy a totally stocked kit or create your own from the list of supplies below.

Once you have a first aid kit, be sure to check your supplies every three months. Replace any supplies that have reached their expiration dates or are no longer usable.

basic supplies

• Adhesive tape
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic wipe packets
• Aspirin
• Bandages:
• Roll of elastic tape
• Bandage strips (Bandaids)
• Gauze pads and roller gauze in assorted sizes
• Instant cold pack
• Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
• Duct tape
• Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Plastic bags for disposal of contaminated materials
• Safety pins
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• A needle
• Soap or instant hand sanitizer
• Saline solution
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• First aid instruction book

Create an Emergency File

Every family member should have an emergency file that includes their medical history, insurance cards, and current medications. This is especially important for senior citizens, who may be hospitalized and relying on a son or daughter to be their spokesperson.

“I have no idea what medications my mom is taking,” is a common reply heard in the Emergency Department.

Having this information ready to grab in an emergency can make your ED visit go smoothly.