First Aid
* Learn basic first-aid skills. Take courses in CPR and first aid. These give hands-on practice in giving first aid and CPR the right way. Find out about them from your local Red Cross, police and/or fire department, etc.
* Find out what services your health plan covers and what steps you have to take to get emergency costs paid for.
* Carry the following information with you at all times:
– Your name, address, phone number, and the person to contact if you need emergency care.
– Your health insurance information.
– Important medical information. This could be on a medical alert tag, on a wallet card, or on the back of your driver’s license. Have a list of medications, their dosages, and things you are allergic to.
– Emergency telephone numbers. (Post these near phones, too.)
First-Aid Kit
Keep first-aid supplies handy, but out of children’s reach. Carry a first-aid kit in the car (or boat, wrapped in a waterproof container), as well as in the house. Campers, bikers, hikers, and persons who spend time in remote areas should take a first-aid kit with them. Once a year, check supplies for expiration dates. Restock items when they are used up or when expiration dates have passed.
First-Aid Supplies & Medicines
* Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
* Adhesive bandages of different sizes.
* Antibiotic ointment.
* Antidiarrheal medicine.
* Antihistamine tablets or syrup.
* Antiseptic ointment or wipes.
* Calibrated medicine spoon & dropper (for kids).
* Cold pack.
* Cotton-tipped swabs.
* Elastic wrap and closures.
* Flashlight and extra batteries.
* Hydrocortisone ointment.
* Safety pins.
* Scissors.
* Sterile gauze pads, a roll of gauze, and tape.
* Sterile nonstick dressings.
* Sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher).
* Tweezers.
Add Extra Items for a Car or Boat
* Clean, folded sheet. Blanket.
* Large flashlight. Extra batteries. Flares. Rope.
* Plastic bottle of water, tightly capped.
* Protective clothing and footwear.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine