$Unique_ID{PAR00304}
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$Title{Emergency First Aid:  HOME FIRST-AID KIT}
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$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Siegfried, Donna M}
$Subject{HOME FIRST-AID KIT emergency emergencies supply supplies first aid}
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The New Parents' Question & Answer Book


HOME FIRST-AID KIT


     To react promptly in an emergency, you need to have basic first-aid
supplies on hand.  The best way to be sure that these supplies are readily
available when you need them is to create a basic home first-aid kit.  Keep
these supplies together in a clean, dry container.  Place the container where
it is easy for you to reach but where small children will not be able to get
at it.  Check the kit often and replenish any missing supplies promptly.
Similar kits should be placed in cars, campers, and boats, along with other
safety items, such as a blanket, a flashlight, and flares.

Basic supplies:

  -  1 roll adhesive tape, 1 inch wide
  -  Sterile gauze pads
  -  2 rolls sterile gauze, 1-3 inches wide
  -  1 roll absorbent cotton
  -  Adhesive bandages, assorted sizes
  -  2 elastic bandages, 2-4 inches wide
  -  Butterfly bandages, assorted sizes
  -  Triangular bandage
  -  Cotton-tipped swabs (DO NOT use in ears)
  -  Sterile eye wash
  -  Disposable moist towels for hand-cleansing, sealed in airtight packages
  -  Tongue depressors
  -  Sharp scissors with rounded tips
  -  Thermometer, rectal for infants and small children, oral for older
     children
  -  Mild soap
  -  Hydrogen peroxide
  -  Syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal (use for poisoning ONLY when
     directed to do so by emergency personnel)
  -  Children's aspirin substitute (use ONLY under direction of doctor)
  -  Ice pack and hot water bottle or heating pad (should be easily
     accessible)

Special Needs

     If a child in your home is hypersensitive to insect stings or has had a
previous severe allergic reaction, you should add an anaphylaxis kit complete
with epinephrine and directions for use; contact your doctor for more
information.  If a child in your home is diabetic, a reserve of insulin and a
supply of simple sugar may also need to be included; contact your doctor for
more information.