That time of year has come when the families begin to go outdoors for graduation and back yard parties, picnics, and planning those trips. Here are some suggestions on First Aid Kits for your home and travel.
Your Home First Aid Kit
(The American College of Emergency Physicians has compiled a list of items it believes should be in every first aid kit. This kit should be kept together in one place, and every member of the household should know where it is, as well as how to use each item in the kit. The list provides you with the necessary "tools" to handle many medical emergencies at home. All items are readily available from your local pharmacy. For the kit itself, a small tote bag is recommended because it is large enough to hold all items listed, it is easily transported (even on vacation), and it is big enough to be visible wherever kept. Remember to follow the same precautions with your first aid kit as you would with any medicine. Store out of the reach of children and use products with child safety caps.)
CONTENTS:
+Acetaminophen, Ibuprofin, and aspirin tablets: For headaches, pain, fever, and simple sprains or strains of the body. (Aspirin should not be used for relief of flu symptoms or given to children.)
+Ipecac syrup and activated charcoal: For treatment after ingestion of certain poisons. (Use only on the advice of a poison control center or the emergency department.)
+Elastic Wraps: For wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries.
+Triangular Bandage: For wrapping injuries and making an arm sling.
+Scissors with rounded tips.
+Adhesive tape and 2" gauze: For dressing wounds.
+Diposable, instant activating cold packs: For icing injuries and treating high fevers.
+Bandages of assorted sizes: For covering minor cuts and scrapes.
+Antibiotic ointment: For burns, cuts, and scrapes.
+Gauze in rolls and in 2 and 4-inch pads: For dressing wounds.
+Bandage closures, 1/4 and 1 inch: For taping cut edges together.
+Tweezers: To remove small splinters and ticks.
+Safety pins: To fasten splints and bandages.
+Rubber gloves: To protect your hands and reduce the risk of infection when treating open wounds.
+First aid manual.
+List of emergency phone numbers.
Travelers' First Aid Kit
(This list also compiled by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Prior to any foreign or domestic travel, check with your doctor and travel clinic or public health department for specific required immunization/documentation for you and the area you are traveling. For the kit itself, a tote bag is recommended because it can hold all the items listed and is easy to carry. Never store your kit in your luggage: put it in your carry-on-bag--always keep it with you. Follow the same precautions with your first aid kit as you would with any medicine. Store out of reach of children and only use products with child sfety caps.)
BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
+Visit your doctor prior to traveling: Have your doctor prepare a medical summary listing medical problems, operations, allergies and a copy of your most recent EKG. If you wear corrective lenses, take an extra pair on your trip and carry your lens prescription with you. Have TB skin test results recorded by your doctor.
+Ask your doctor to list any medications you are taking, using both generic and brand names. Be sure to pack enough medication for your trip.
+Check your medical insurance policy and health plan for coverage of illnesses or accidents outside the U.S.
+Assemble Travelers' First Aid Kit.
SUGGESTED CONTENTS:
+Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen: For headaches, pain, fever, and simple sprains or strains of the body. (Aspirin should not be used for relief of flu symptoms or given to children.)
+Antihistamine/decongestant cough medicine.
+Antinausea/motion sickness medication.
+Bandages of assorted sizes, including adhesive bandages: (i.e., Bandaids)
+Adhesive tape and 2" gauze: For dressing wounds.
+Elastic wraps: For wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries.
+Triangular bandage: For wrapping injuries and making an arm sling.
+Scissors with rounded tips.
+Rubber gloves: To reduce the risk of infection.
+Disposable, instant activating cold packs: For icing injuries and treating high fevers.
+Antifungal cream (tolnaftate 1% or clotrimazole 1%): good for athlete's foot or ringworm.
+Antibacterial ointment.
+Antibiotic ointment: For burns, cuts, and scrapes.
+Thermometer with case.
+Sunscreen: Number 15 or higher.
+Insect Repellent: Those that contain 35-55% DEET with stabilizer.
+Anti-Diarrheal Medications: (i.e., Pepto-Bismol, Immodium A-D) tablets or liquid, follow directions carefully.
+Anti-malaria medications (if indicated)
+Water purifying pills or liquid (Tincture of Iodine or Halazone tablets), or mechanical filtration devices, such as Katadyne water purifier.
+Steroidal Cream, such as hydrochordizone cream: for insect bites.
+Tweezers: To remove small splinters and ticks.
+Safety Pins: To fasten spints and bandages.
Take care and have a happy and safe summer!
Greenfield Fire Department
