In any emergency a family member or you yourself may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. If you have a well stocked first aid kit with these basic supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things together in a first aid kit can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

Things you should have in your first aid kit:

• Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
• Burn ointment to prevent infection.
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.

Things it may be good to have in your first aid kit:

• Cell phone (not kept in the kit, but handy)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

you should keep small supply of non-prescription drugs in your first aid kit:

• Potassium Iodide
• Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for upset stomach)
• Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Laxative
• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Note: Always check the expiration date on the medicines you keep in your first aid kit and change them if they expire.