Preparing a Basic First Aid Kit by Carol Ong

She is back, No-Nonsense Mommy Tips by Columnist Carol Ong writes about prepping a basic medical kit at home.Have you done it yet?

The Fujian people have a funny saying that loosely translates to, “Some build a toilet only when they’re about to sh!t.” Being well-prepared will come handy in times of emergencies. That’s why it’s important to have a basic first aid kit at home.

What you need to do:

1. Have a list of Emergency phone numbers. (Just print and fill out the form below).
2. Include personal medications
3. Check your kit regularly. Make sure it’s properly stocked, and replace expired medicine
4. Check the flashlight batteries.

These are the contents of a basic first aid kit for a family of four, as recommended by the Red Cross.

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3×3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 triangular bandages (tourniquet)
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Flashlight
• 1 space blanket
• First aid booklet

What’s in your first aid kit?

Source: www.redcross.org