First-Aid Kit Must-Haves

Having a first-aid kit handy is a responsibly every adult should adopt. Of course there are pre-made first-aid kits at the local drug store or discount store, but these kits are simply not adequate for large injuries. First-aid kits that are already made contain small packets of antibiotics, medicines, and bandages. If you need to clean several wounds on several people, there simply will not be enough supplies. Every family should have a personal made first-aid kit ready in their house. In case you don't know what to include in a first-aid kit, there are some basics to add.

First Aid Manual
A simple first-aid manual is a great addition to your kit. If you have the right supplies for an injury they won't do you much good without the knowledge of how to use them.

Pain Reliever
Medicines such as ibuprofen and aspirin should be added to a first-aid kit to reduce fever and relieve pain.

Gloves
You should never get near someone else's open wound without proper protection. Include rubber gloves in your kit to protect yourself.

Bandages
You should always enclose various types of bandages such as gauze pads, gauze rolls, band-aids, and adhesive bandages. Also, make sure you have an elastic bandage roll to wrap any sprained joint.

Antibiotic Ointment
Antibiotic ointment is perhaps one of the most important elements in a first-aid kit. Open wounds can get fairly dirty. The dirt can cause infection, which is fairly dangerous. If you apply antibiotic ointment to open wounds you will cut back on any wound infection.

Ipecac Syrup
Especially if you have children in your house, Ipecac syrup should be included in case there is a poisoning. However, never use this syrup unless the poison control center has given you the go-ahead.

Tools
First aid kits should always include the necessary tools for medical work. These tools include safety pins, tweezers, and scissors.

Skin Closures
If you are faced with a gaping wound, you will be glad you included skin closures in your first-aid kit. These help keep skin together when stitches are not an option. They also help to stop any bleeding.