Most people keep some form of emergency first aid kit at home, but if you are just starting out you need a list of the contents yours should have. Not only do you need to know what goes in the container, you should have at least a basic idea what each item is used for. The following is a list of the most common contents and how to use them. It is by no means a comprehensive list and is only intended to provide useful information.Nitrile Exam Gloves
For many years no one bothered with exam gloves as a part of their first aid kit contents. Today they are considered an absolute necessity as a way to protect the caregiver from a wide range of blood borne pathogens (these are what cause many communicable diseases such HIV). You can stock inexpensive latex gloves, but there are an ever increasing number of people who are allergic to this type of rubber. A much better choice is nitrile gloves. These are safe for use even with patients who are allergic to latex. Keep a box of gloves with the rest of your supplies.
Medical Adhesive Tape
Of all the supplies in your box, one or more rolls of adhesive medical tape will turn out to be among the most useful. Tape has a wide number of uses for practically any situation. You can use it to secure a splint in place for a broken bone. In the absence of sutures, you can pull the edges of lacerations together and reduce the bleeding until emergency personnel can arrive or until you can get to an emergency room for stitches. You should keep a roll of wide tape as you can rip or cut it into narrower strips as needed.
Gauze Pads
Gauze pads are made from a material which is very similar to cheesecloth. Because of this, it is very absorbent. You can use it to cover lacerations and wounds. When held firmly in place with medical tape, the gauze will slow the bleeding down, allowing the blood to clot. The most common size is a four inch square, individually wrapped to keep them sterile. You can also buy a roll of gauze which can be wrapped around larger wounds on legs or arms to control bleeding. It works best when used with gauze pads.
Adhesive Bandages
Adhesive bandages are going to be the most frequently used item in your first aid equipment and kit. However, you cannot count on a single size to cover every injury. You should have several sizes, shapes and designs. This should include both fingertip and butterfly styles as they add more to the range of cuts you can cover. Be sure to keep antibiotic ointment in with them and change the bandages once per day. You should also clean the cut and reapply the ointment each time you apply a new bandage.
Elastic or Stretch Bandages
Elastic or stretch bandages come in a range of widths and length. The most commonly used size is 4 inches in width and 3 to 4 four feet in length. These can be used to wrap sprains to reduce the risk of further injury. They also help to keep any swelling under control and can help hold an ice pack in place. For broken bones, elastic bandages can be used to help keep splints securely in place.
Basic Tools
There are a few tools which should be a part of the contents your basic first aid equipment and kit. Start with a thermometer to check for fever when a family member falls ill. You can pick up a battery operated digital model for just a few dollars. Add a pair of scissors, or better yet medical shears. You will need these to cut gauze to fit or trim elastic bandages to the right length, you may need them to cut clothing away in the event of serious injury. Keep a pair of tweezers in the box for removing bee stingers, splinters, dirt in cuts, and to remove ticks.
These are only a sample of the content your first aid kit should include. These few items are enough to take care of minor injure. They are also enough to stabilize many more serious injuries long enough for professional medical help to arrive or for you to get the injured person to a hospital. If anyone in your family has allergies ask your doctor if you should keep a supply of their medication in the kit. You may also want to consider adding an Epi-pen if someone has a life threatening allergy, but talk to your doctor first.