First Aid Checklist - A checklist for first aid kits

A first aid kit is an essential item to have no matter where you are. A complete first aid kit comes in handy at home, work, in the car and traveling. From putting a band-aid on a child's scrape to placing a splint on a sprained ankle, a first aid kit can keep a minor incident from turning into a major catastrophe.

Why Do You Need A First Aid Kit?

Wherever you are, the potential to get hurt exists. Regardless of how quiet or seemingly safe the environment is, you should be prepared with a first aid kit. Consider these everyday situations when a first aid kit comes in handy:

• Child care situations including school field trips, backyard picnics, beach trips, scouting and other kid-oriented activities for all those inevitable boo-boos and scrapes;
  
• Offices need a first aid kit for hectic times when you miss the papers with the stapler and hit your finger instead;
  
• Cars, boats and RV's should have a first aid kit so you can handle all types of injuries on the road;
  
• Fishing, camping, hiking and other outdoor activities are times when injuries often occur so have a first aid kit around to handle them; and
  
• Home is the perfect place for a first aid kit that can also be easily grabbed during natural disasters or other personal emergencies.

Keep first aid items in a sealed, airtight container. A plastic storage box, container with a lid, plastic toolbox or secure tote bag work well. You can also use a traditional metal first aid box with a lock if you don't want children to have access to the items inside. Make sure your first aid box is waterproof so the contents are not damaged by moisture. Check expiration dates on the items in your first aid kit every six months. Everything should be fresh and functional so you're ready in an emergency.

What Items Should Be Included In Your First Aid Kit?

Now we know why a first aid kit is essential and how the items should be stored. Let's consider a comprehensive first aid checklist that includes a variety of items for different emergency situations:

___ tweezers or forceps to get rid of splinters and other foreign objects under the skin;
___ scissors and knife to cut bandages;
___ sunburn relief spray, zinc oxide or aloe vera gel to relieve irritations;
___ anti-diarrhea medicine to keep the problem at bay;
___ pain medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen for headaches and minor pain;
___ antihistamine for allergic reactions;
___ antacid for stomach upset;
___ laxative for constipation;
___ activated charcoal and syrup of Ipecac to use if advised by Poison Control;
___ sterile wipes and antibacterial hand cleaner to keep your hands clean during an emergency;
___ antiseptic ointment or cream for wounds;
___ gauze bandage rolls and wrapped gauze dressings for larger wounds;
___ Ace bandages for sprains, strains and to control bleeding;
___ adhesive tape to secure bandages;
___ Band-Aids in several different sizes for minor scrapes and cuts;
___ ice packs to minimize swelling and bruising;
___ heat packs to relieve pain;
___ Epsom salts for sore feet;
___ eyedropper to administer eye drops or medication;
___ safety pins to secure bandages;
___ adhesive sutures, also called butterfly stitches, for serious cuts that would require stitches;
___ hydrogen peroxide to cleanse cuts;
___ petroleum jelly to sooth dry skin;
___ lip balm for dry lips;
___ sunscreen to avoid sunburn;
___ insect repellent to keep bugs away;
___ calamine lotion or cortisone ointment for skin irritations such as poison ivy;
___ cotton swabs for applying dressings to wounds;
___ saline solution for washing eyes;
___ latex gloves so your hands don't touch serious injuries;
___ face shield or other CPR breathing barrier;
___ first aid manual for your reference in emergencies;
___ telephone numbers for the fire department, police department, poison control center, hospital and doctors' offices.

Optional items to include on your first aid checklist are a snakebite kit, nausea/motion sickness medication and anti-fungal cream.

Just like the old scouting motto says, “Be prepared!” With a complete first aid kit, you are ready for any emergency wherever you are.

Thank you to Stacey Doyle for this First Aid Checklist.

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