Injuries can happen anywhere, which is why it is a good idea to have a first aid kit always available. At home the best place to keep the kit is in the kitchen – since this is often a gathering place – as well as where many injuries occur. It is not a good idea to keep your home kit in the bathroom due to the amount of humidity, as many medications are recommended to keep at room temperature. While traveling, the best bet is to keep the kit in a suitcase or a backpack for easy transportation. Other great places to keep kits are in your car, boat, RV or camper. 

While commercial kits are largely available, it is easy to make your own custom kit. A NorthShore Emergency Medicine doctor, suggests that kit contents include:

• Absorbent compress dressings
• Assorted sizes of adhesive bandages
• Adhesive cloth tape
• Antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin
• Antiseptic wipe packets
• Pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Instant cold compress
• Non-latex gloves
• Hydrocortisone ointment
• Scissors
• Roller bandages
• Sterile gauze pads, assorted sizes
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• Triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First aid instruction booklet
• Personal items, such as prescribed medication and emergency contact numbers

Whatever you keep in your first aid kit, make sure to check expiration dates frequently and replace items as needed. Make sure everyone in your house who is old enough understands the usage of a first aid kit and knows where to find it.

What are some of the necessities you keep in your first aid kit?