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<h2>First aid essentials. How to make a kit fit for first aid</h2>
When you hurt yourself, you don&rsquo;t always need to go to the doctor or a hospital. Sometimes all you need is a little first aid. That&rsquo;s where a first aid kit comes in handy. It contains most of the items you might need to provide basic aid. It&rsquo;s a good idea to keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your home and in your car. But what should you keep inside the kit itself?
Here are some essentials for a well-stocked first aid kit.
DRESSINGS AND BANDAGES
<ul>
 <li>Gauze roll.</li>
 <li>Sterile gauze bandages.</li>
 <li>Eye pad.</li>
 <li>Adhesive tape roll.</li>
 <li>Elastic bandage for sprains.</li>
 <li>Sterile cotton balls and swabs.</li>
</ul>
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES
<ul>
 <li>Pain reliever and fever medicines. (Remember not to use aspirin for kids younger than 18.)</li>
 <li>Antibiotic ointment.</li>
 <li>Sterile saline eyewash.</li>
 <li>Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy.</li>
 <li>Hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion for itching.</li>
 <li>Antihistamine for allergic reactions.</li>
 <li>Nasal decongestant.</li>
 <li>Anti-nausea medicine to treat motion sickness and other types of nausea.</li>
 <li>Anti-diarrhea medicine.</li>
 <li>Antacid for upset stomach.</li>
 <li>Laxative to treat constipation.</li>
 <li>Special medicines for members of your household, such as asthma inhalers.</li>
</ul>
TOOLS
<ul>
 <li>Safety pins to fasten splints and bandages.</li>
 <li>A suction device to flush out wounds.</li>
 <li>Aluminum finger splint.</li>
 <li>Syringe and medicine spoon for giving medicine.</li>
 <li>Thermometer.</li>
 <li>Tweezers to remove ticks, insect stingers and splinters.</li>
 <li>Scissors.</li>
</ul>
PROTECTION
<ul>
 <li>Non-latex gloves (size large).</li>
 <li>A breathing barrier for giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation.</li>
 <li>An emergency blanket.</li>
</ul>
MISCELLANEOUS
<ul>
 <li>Antiseptic wipes.</li>
 <li>Instant cold compress.</li>
 <li>First aid manual and list of emergency contacts.</li>
</ul>
KIT TIPS
Whether you create your first aid kit or buy a pre-made one at the store, keep these tips in mind:
<ul>
 <li>Tailor your kit to meet your family&rsquo;s needs.</li>
 <li>Check the kit regularly.</li>
 <li>Replace items as you use them or they expire.</li>
 <li>Use the kit for minor medical issues&mdash;call 911 in an emergency.</li>
 <li>Consider labeling emergency contacts in your phone, or downloading an ICE (for "in case of emergency") app.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</div>
Sources
<ul>
 <li>American Academy of Family Physicians. "What do I need in my first aid kit?"&nbsp;<a href="https://familydoctor.org/what-do-i-need-in-my-first-aid-kit/" target="_blank">https://familydoctor.org/what-do-i-need-in-my-first-aid-kit/</a>.</li>
 <li>American College of Emergency Physicians. "First Aid Kit."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/health--safety-tips/first-aid-kit" target="_blank">https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/health--safety-tips/first-aid-kit</a>.</li>
 <li>American Red Cross. "Make a First Aid Kit."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit.html" target="_blank">https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit.html</a>.</li>
</ul>
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First aid essentials: How to make a kit fit for first aid

When you've got a cut, a scrape, a bite or a burn, a fully stocked first aid kit is a good place to turn. Here's what to keep in yours.