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First-Aid Kit

Everyone should have a well-stocked first-aid kit at home, in the car, and in the workplace. You may also want to stock a portable kit (a box or small bag) that can be taken to the site of an emergency.

It is important to check your kit regularly to restock items that have been used, and to replace items that are out-of-date.

The contents of the kit vary depending upon the number of people it is designed to protect, as well as its intent for use. Recommended contents of a first-aid kit include the following:

Instruments
Bandages
  • bulb syringe
  • scissors
  • thermometer (oral and rectal)
  • tweezers
  • adhesive tape
  • butterfly bandages
  • elastic bandages
  • hypoallergenic tape
  • sling (triangular-shaped cloth)
  • sterile cotton balls
  • sterile eye patches
  • sterile gauze pads (4" x 4")
  • stretchable gauze roll
  • waterproof tape
Medications Miscellaneous Items
  • acetaminophen
  • antacid
  • antibiotic ointment
  • antidiarrheal medication
  • antihistamine
  • aspirin
  • antiseptic ointment
  • calamine lotion
  • decongestant
  • hydrocortisone cream
  • ibuprofen
  • sugar or glucose solution
  • alcohol (rubbing 70 percent)
  • alcohol wipes
  • blanket
  • candles
  • chemical ice packs or ice bag
  • chemical hot packs or hot water bottle
  • cotton swabs
  • disposable latex gloves
  • face mask for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • first-aid book
  • flashlight
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • insect repellent
  • insect sting swabs
  • matches
  • measuring spoons
  • paper and pencil
  • paper cups
  • soap
  • safety pins
  • sewing needle
  • sunscreen
  • tissues
  • tongue blades

You can also use the following everyday items in the event of an emergency:

  • disposable or cloth diapers for compresses, bandages, or padding for splints
  • dish towels for bandages or slings
  • umbrella, rolled magazine, or layered newspaper for use as a splint
In addition, it is helpful to carry the following items in your car:
  • a large blanket
  • gallon-size bottle of water
  • flashlight and extra batteries
If your child or other family member has special medical needs, be sure to carry extra medical supplies when you go on an outing or trip. Some of these items might include the following:
  • an insect allergy kit containing medications to be used by persons allergic to insect stings
  • medications, syringes, and special equipment or supplies

Be sure any member of your family who has special needs wears a Medic Alert® bracelet or necklace at all times. Applications are available in most pharmacies.

Click here to view the
Online Resources of Non-Traumatic Emergencies

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As a service to our community, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network purchases the content under "Diseases & Conditions" from Greystone.net, a provider of health care information for consumers.

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hon cod ©2008 Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network
LVH Info Line: 610-402-CARE
Cedar Crest & I-78, P.O. Box 689, Allentown, PA 18105-1556

Lehigh Valley Hospital has campuses in Allentown and Bethlehem, Pa. and serves the Pennsylvania communities of Easton, Doylestown, Quakertown, Hazelton, Lehighton, Perkasie, Pottstown, Pottsville, Reading, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, Stroudsburg, and the Poconos and also Phillipsburg and Flemington, N.J., and western New Jersey. You don't have to travel to Philadelphia or New York for quality health care.

 
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