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</ iframe > </noscript> <!-- End Google Tag Manager (noscript) --><div id="header"> <div id="CClogo"><a href="https://www.cookchildrens.org"><span class="srText">Cook Children's</span></a></div> <div id="CCsearch"> <form id="searchform" name="searchform" method="GET" onsubmit="return (this.q.value == '') ? false : true;" action="/CookChildrens/en/parents/"> <input type="hidden" name="search" value="y"/> <input type="hidden" name="getfields" value="description"/> <input type="search" class="search" name="q" id="q" maxlength="256" autocomplete="off" autocorrect="off" placeholder="Search"/> <input type="hidden" name="datasource" value="cookchildrens"> <input type="hidden" name="start" value="0"> <input type="hidden" name="rows" value="10"> <input type="hidden" name="lang" value="english"> <input type="hidden" name="section" value="parents_teens_kids"> <input type="submit" value="" id="searchButton" class="buttonImage"/> </form> </div> </div> <!-- If we have main navigation separated then it will reside here --> <div id="thelou" tabindex="-1"> </div> <div id="mainContentContainer" class="kh-article-page"> <div id="rsSearchBrowse"> <div id="rsBrowse" role="navigation"> </div> <div id="rsSearch"> <div id="rsSectionLabel">parents</div> </div> </div> <div id="khContentHeading" class="ar licH"> <h1>First-Aid Kit</h1> </div> <div class="clearBox"> </div> <div id="khcontent"> <div id="xp1"> </div><br clear="all" style="width: 0; height: 0; line-height: 0; font-size: 0;"><div id="khcontent_article" lang="en-us"> <div id="NavigatePage1"> <div id="whichRead_1"><span class="ISI_MESSAGE"><!-- The following article is brought to you by CookChildrens. --></span><div class="rs_skip rs_skip_en rsbtn_kidshealth rs_preserve" id="readspeaker_button1"><script> var theRSURL = (escape(document.location.href)); var rsAudioTitle = document.title.replace(/ |\'|\?/g,"_"); var whichReadPage = 1; var doesItGotFlash = ''; makeTheRSLinkEN(); var readSpeakerDownloadLink = "//app-na.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=5202&lang=en_us&voice=Kate&speed=100&readid=khcontent_article&url="+theRSURL+"&audiofilename=KidsHealth_"+rsAudioTitle+""; </script></div> <!--googleoff:all--> <div id="languagePairLink" class="rs_skip"><a href="/CookChildrens/es/parents/firstaid-kit.html"><span class="pairedURLHead" lang="es">en español<img src="/images/n00/icons/langPairArrow.svg" alt=""></span><span class="pairedURLBody" lang="es">Botiquín de primeros auxilios</span></a></div> <!--googleon:all--><div class="rte-image"><!--<sly data-sly-test.buttonBorder="khb-noborder"></sly> --><p>A well-stocked first-aid kit, kept within easy reach, is a must for every home. Having the right supplies ahead of time will help you handle an <a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/healthin.html">emergency</a> at a moment's notice. <strong>Keep a first-aid kit in your home and in your car.</strong> Also bring a first-aid kit when your family travels.</p><p>You can buy a first aid kit at drugstores or a local Red Cross office, or make one of your own. If you make one, use containers that are roomy, sturdy, easy to carry, and simple to open. Plastic tackle boxes or containers for storing art supplies are ideal because they're lightweight, have handles, and offer a lot of space and separate sections.</p><h3>What Should a First-Aid Kit Include?</h3><p>Put these in each of your first-aid kits:</p><ul><li>an up-to-date first-aid manual</li><li>a list of emergency phone numbers</li><li>sterile gauze pads of different sizes</li><li>adhesive tape</li><li>adhesive bandages (Band-Aids) in several sizes</li><li>an elastic bandage</li><li>a splint</li><li>antiseptic wipes</li><li>soap</li><li>hand sanitizer</li><li>antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)<br /></li><li>sterile water, saline (saltwater), or irrigation solution and a large syringe for washing cuts</li><li>tweezers</li><li>sharp scissors</li><li>safety pins</li><li>disposable instant cold packs</li><li>alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol</li><li>a thermometer</li><li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/tooth-preservation-kits.html">tooth preservation kit</a></li><li>plastic non-latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)</li><li>a flashlight and extra batteries</li><li>a mouthpiece for giving CPR (you can get one from your local Red Cross)</li><li>an eye shield</li><li>eye wash solution</li></ul><p>Keep medicines your family might need in your kit, such as:</p><ul><li>antibiotic ointment</li><li>hydrocortisone cream (1%)</li><li>calamine lotion</li><li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/acetaminophen.html">acetaminophen</a> and <a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/ibuprofen.html">ibuprofen</a></li><li>an antihistamine (anti-itch medicine), like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, or store brands</li><li>extra prescription medicines (if you're traveling)</li><li>medicine syringes and cups</li></ul><p>After you've stocked your first-aid kits:</p><ul><li>Read the first-aid manual so you'll understand how to use what's in your kits. (If your kids are old enough to understand, review the main points with them.) Read the manual from time to time and check to see if it is up to date.</li><li>Store first-aid kits out of children's reach but where adults can easily get them.</li><li>Check the kits regularly. Replace missing items or anything that has expired.</li><li>Make sure babysitters and other caregivers know where the kit is and how to use it.</li><li>Check the flashlight batteries to make sure they work.</li><li>If you're flying, pack the first-aid kit in your checked luggage. Many of the items won't be permitted in carry-on bags.</li></ul></div> <div id="reviewerBox"> <div id="reviewedBy">Medically reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD</div> <div id="reviewedDate">Date reviewed: June 2022</div> </div><span class="ISI_MESSAGE"><!--Thank you for listening to this KidsHealth audio cast. The information you heard, is for educational purposes only. If you need medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment, consult your doctor. This audio cast is Copyrighted by KidsHealth. All rights are reserved.--></span></div> </div> </div> </div> <!--googleoff:all--> <div id="relatedBoxParents" class="t1 "> <div id="navTabs"> <ul id="navTabsPKT" role="tablist" aria-labelledby="moreOnThisTopicHeader"> <li role="presentation" class="wascurrent" id="PKTtabTeens"><button class="PKTJSTButton" role="tab" id="teens_tab" aria-controls="relatedArticlesListTeens" aria-selected="false" tabindex="-1"><span>for Teens</span></button></li> <li role="presentation" class="wascurrent" id="PKTtabKids"><button class="PKTJSTButton" role="tab" id="kids_tab" aria-controls="relatedArticlesListKids" aria-selected="false" tabindex="-1"><span>for Kids</span></button></li> <li role="presentation" class="current" id="PKTtabParents"><button class="PKTJSTButton" role="tab" id="parents_tab" aria-controls="relatedArticlesListParents" aria-selected="true" tabindex="0"><span>for Parents</span></button></li> </ul> </div> <div id="mainBar"> </div> <div id="mrLinks"> <h2 id="moreOnThisTopicHeader">MORE ON THIS TOPIC</h2> <ul id="relatedArticlesListParents" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="parents_tab"> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/center/safety-center.html">Emergency Care & First Aid (Topic Center)</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/healthin.html">What You Need to Know in an Emergency</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/911.html">Teaching Your Child How to Use 911</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/first-aid-guides.html">Handling Injuries & Illnesses</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/cpr.html">CPR</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/storms-calm.html">Storm Stress: Helping Kids Stay Calm</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/tornado-prepare.html">Tornadoes: Helping Your Family Be Prepared</a></li> </ul> <ul id="relatedArticlesListKids" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="kids_tab"> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/kids/emergency.html">How to Handle a Medical Emergency</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/kids/cpr.html">CPR: A Real Lifesaver</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/kids/stitches.html">Stitches</a></li> </ul> <ul id="relatedArticlesListTeens" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="teens_tab"> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/cuts.html">Cuts, Scratches, and Scrapes</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/teens/wounds.html">Wound Healing and Care</a></li> </ul> </div> <div id="boxBreaker"> </div> <div id="zeroTester"> </div> <div id="relatedButtonsHolder"> <div id="relatedButtonsBoth"> <ul> <li id="relatedPrinterButton"><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/firstaid-kit.html?view=ptr" rel="nofollow" onclick="printWindow(this.href); return false;" title="This link will open in a new window.">Print<span class="newWindowIcon_leftSpace"> </span></a></li> <li id="relatedEmailFriendButton"><a rel="nofollow" href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/firstaid-kit.html?view=emailto" target="_blank" title="This link will open in a new window.">Send to a Friend<span class="newWindowIcon_leftSpace"> </span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div><br clear="all"></div><br clear="all"><script>window.onload=setVars('');PKTChoose(7,3,2,0);</script><div id="kh_lic_footer"> <nav aria-label="Content info"> <ul id="kh_lic_footer_links"> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/editorial-policy-licensee.html">Editorial Policy</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/policy-licensees.html">KidsHealth Privacy Policy & Terms of Use</a></li> <li><a href="/CookChildrens/en/parents/copyright.html">Copyright</a></li> </ul> </nav> <div id="kh_lic_footer_legalease"> <p><img lang="en" alt="A KidsHealth Education Partner" src="/images/n00/logos/eduPartner3.svg"> Note: All information is for educational purposes only. 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