50 GREAT THINGS TO KEEP IN YOUR FIRST AID BAG

by Hyacinth Fraser

1. Carrying case: A small plastic toolbox would do as it is light, portable and affordable.

2. First aid book

3. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) Pack this to lubricate the rectal thermometer.

4. Calamine lotion - This is great stuff to relieve the itching of poison ivy and bug bites.

5. Diphenhydramine (Benedryl) - An antihistamine helpful in handling any minor allergic reactions.

6. Antibiotic ointment - Good for certain cuts that are at risk for infection. If a cut or scrape appears to be infected already, consult the doctor before administering the antibiotic ointment.

7. Self-injectable epinephrine - This is a prescription medication limited to those at risk for life-threatening allergic reactions from bee stings, certain foods, etc. Dr. Deepak Chopra is one of the world leaders in the area of healthy living. Why not check out his website.

8. Tweezers - These are essential for removing ticks, splinters, etc.

9. Small flashlight (don't forget extra batteries).

10. List of important phone numbers - (doctor, friend or relative).

11. Painkillers such as acetaminophen, paracetamol or ibuprofen - (these medications are not only for fever but also are good for pain control).

12. An accurate measuring device - i.e. syringe or spoon.

13. Gauze, adhesive tape, bandages and plasters, in a variety of different sizes and shapes.

14. Small sharp scissors - These will be needed to cut the tape, gauze, or whatever.

15. Alcohol pads

16. Thermometer

17. Sterile eye dressing

18. Safety pins

19. eansing wipes

20. Thermometer, preferably digital

21. Skin rash cream such as hydrocortisone or calendula

22. Cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings

23. Antiseptic cream/ointment

24. Cough medicine

25. Decongestant tablets or nasal spray

26. Distilled water, for cleaning wounds and as an eye bath

27. Anti-bacterial gel for hand washing without water

28. Insect repellent

29. Sunscreen

30. Pre-moistened towelettes (i.e. babywipes)

31. Tissues

32. Anti-diarrhoeal

33. Antacid

34. Cough medicine and/or throat lozenges

35. Petroleum jelly

36. Cotton balls and/or swabs

37. Antiseptic soap

38. Lotion for diaper rash. Dr. Deepak Chopra is one of the world leaders in the area of healthy living.

39. Teething medicine

40. Nasal aspirator for baby

41. Ice Packs (used to help reduce swelling).

42. Steri-Strips: (also known as Butter-Flys, Adhesive Sutures, Adhesive Closures).

43. Neosporin/Bacitracin Ointment (this is a topical antibiotic)

44. Cortisone Ointment. This is especially helpful with any contact dermatitis (i.e. poison ivy, oak)

45. Benadryl tablets (antihistamine - control allergic reactions)

46. Eye wash

47. Forceps: 1 pair disposable splinter forceps

48. Mouthwash

49. Add to this list with your own ideas of great things to keep in your first aid bag.

Want to tell someone about this article? It's easy. Just enter the information requested below and click Send. Your message will be sent immediately. If you wish to send to multiple recipients, you can send up to 5 emails at once by placing a comma after each address (example: TO: email@address.com, email@address.com, email@address.com).