HEALTH TOPICS

Q: I want to create a first aid kit for my home and one for our family car. What should be included in a well-stocked kit?

A: The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:

• 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

• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

• 1 space blanket (available at the Red Cross store at www.redcrossstore.org)

• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

• 1 instant cold compress

• 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)

• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)

• Scissors • 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)

• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)

• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)

• 2 triangular bandages

• Tweezers

• First aid instruction book (available at the Red Cross store)

• Flashlight with fresh batteries

• Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your healthcare provider may suggest. Check the kit regularly. Make sure the flashlight batteries work. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

—Source: American Red Cross

Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, June 2016