STRONG FIRST AID EQUIPMENT

The equipment should be stored in a clearly labeled waterproof box in an easy-to-access position. The American symbol for first aid is a red cross on a white background.

WHAT SHOULD BE IN THE KIT?

Consider carefully the needs that you might have in the home first aid equipment. Your kit should be able to provide you with equipment to do the following tasks:

• Manage heavy bleeding
• Cover the minor wounds and burns
• Clean the small cuts and scrapes
• Provide support for strains, sprains, and broken bones
• Provide cover for large burns
• Apply a cold compress

In addition, you m ay want to store over-the-counter remedies with your kit, such as analgesics and extra family medications.

Numbers of each item will be influenced by the number, age, and activities of people in the home. Very young children, for example, will have lots of small bumps and scrapes and will therefore benefit from a copious supply of brightly colored bandages. Sports-minded teenagers or adults may be more at risk of sprains and strains.

POTENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Small, medium, and large dressings

These are sterile pads with bandages attached that can be used to control heavy bleeding and cover minor wounds.

Triangular bandages

These are an extremely versatile piece of equipment. Folded into a pad, they can be used as a cold compress or as padding around a painful area. They can provide cover for burns or large scrapes and support broken bones. See also Triangular Bandages.

Adhesive bandage

For small wounds.

Non-adhesive sterile dressings (various sizes), safety tape, adhesive tape, and hypoallergenic tape

Dressing can be cut to size and used to cover scrapes, burns, and small wounds.

Gauze swabs

For use with water to clean wounds.

Ace bandages, compression bandages, tubular bandage

For use in providing support to sprains and strains.

Disposable gloves

For use in managing body fluids.

Blunt-ended scissors

Tweezers

MAINTAINING YOUR KIT