First Aid Kits (cont.)

1. First Aid Essentials Slideshow
2. Take the Trauma and First Aid Quiz
3. Surprising Migraine Triggers Slideshow

Try to keep your first aid kit small and simple. Stock it with multi-use items. Almost anything that provides good visibility of contents can be used for a household first aid kit.

• If your kit will be on the move, a water-resistant, drop-proof container is best.
• Inexpensive nylon bags, personal kits, fanny packs, or make-up cases serve very well.
• You do not need to spend a lot of money on a fancy "medical bag." Use resealable sandwich or oven bags to group and compartmentalize items.
• Put wound supplies in one bag and medications in another.

Make sure you know how to properly use all of the items in your kit, especially the medications. Train others in your family to use the kit. You may be the one who needs first aid! Pack and use barrier items such as latex gloves to protect you from bodily fluids of others. Check the kit twice a year and replace expired medications. The National Poison Control Center phone number in the U.S. is 1-800-222-1222.

Where to keep your first aid kit

• The best place to keep your first aid kit is in the kitchen. Most family activities take place here. The bathroom has too much humidity, which shortens the shelf life of items.
• The travel kit is for true trips away from home. Keep it in a suitcase or backpack or drybag (for example, a zip lock plastic bag), depending on the activity.
• A first aid kit for everyday use in the car should be just like the home first aid kit. For that matter, you could keep similar kits in your boat (inside a waterproof bag), travel trailer, mobile home, camper, cabin, vacation home, and wherever you spend time.

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