What's Inside My First Aid Kit

My first aid kit is a well-stocked kit! I didn't buy a complete set of first aid kit, instead, I made a list and went to a drug store to buy the contents separately. I didn't complete my kit at one time only. I took some amount in my allowance every month until I was able to purchase everything on my list. Of course some of my supplies were donated by relatives. It was like collecting stamps or stones... only this one is very useful (no offense to those who collects stamps and stones). The bag which I am using is durable, is easy to grab (with a big label), and is (most importantly) not too complicated to open. First aid kits are way different from health bags that community nurses in the Philippines use, if you own some of things contained in a health bag I suggest you place it in a separate container.

What's inside my first aid kit? Here's the list:

1. sterile gauze (..in sealed wrappers! please discard those which were long opened, they are considered unsterile)
2. adhesive tape (I use 3M micropore tape)
3. triangular bandage
4. adhesive bandages
5. elastic bandage
6. alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
7. antiseptic wipes (I think it is inconvenient to put the solution in a ball of cotton/gauze during emergencies so I bought betadine wipes)
8. antiseptic solution (hydrogen peroxide or agua oxigenada is another example of an antiseptic solution)
9. small soap (beauty soaps vs. anti-germicidal soap... of course I chose anti-germicidal soap)
10. antibiotic cream
11. Swiss card with tweezers! (but I'll buy tweezers soon. Since it will be easier to use during emergencies..)
12. sharp scissors (try not to use cheap paper scissors, baka sa huli ang pagsisisi)
13. disposable cold packs (cool fever!)
14. calamine lotion (I use Caladryl clear... nope, not the pink/flesh Caladryl lotion)
15. thermometer (I have oral, rectal, axillary, tympanic, and a thermometer in a pacifier for our baby. The 1st three have big label on it..)
16. plastic gloves (buy at least 2 pairs)
17. flashlight (don't forget extra batteries!)
18. other medicines/topical agents: hydrocortisone cream (1%), analgesic, antipyretic, our family's prescription meds
19. laminated list of emergency (ambulance, hospital, fire, police, physician's name and number, health insurance info) and family phone numbers (including family member's information: name, date of birth, allergies, prescription meds and dosage, blood type, and medical conditions)
20. first aid manual

This, I don't have yet:
21. face mask or mouthpiece for administering CPR

During emergencies, anything can happen. No matter how you know a procedure, your mind could go blank when you start seeing things that you don't expect. I have taken both the Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support with Water Rescue trainings given by the Red Cross. Despite my knowledge about first aid and CPR, it is important for me to re-read my manual and practice the procedures when I have the time. Furthermore, I don't forget to check my supplies to replace expired ones as well as put readable, permanent labels on everything in my first aid kit (despite it being obvious).

It is better to prepare for the unexpected. Grab your own kit!




Note: First aid man picture taken from http://www.alteapotheke-online.de

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