First Aid

Being Ready for Medical Emergencies

•  Learn basic first-aid skills. Take courses in CPR and first aid. These give hands-on practice in giving first aid and CPR the right way. Find out about them from your local Red Cross, police and/or fire department, etc.

•  Find out what services your health plan covers and what steps you have to take to get emergency costs paid for.

•  Carry the following information with you at all times:

– Your name, address, phone number, and the person to contact if you need emergency care.

– Your health insurance information.

– Important medical information. This could be on a medical alert tag, on a wallet card, or on the back of your driver’s license. Have a list of medications, their dosages, and things you are allergic to.

– Emergency telephone numbers. (Post these near phones, too.)

First-Aid Kit

Keep first-aid supplies handy, but out of children’s reach. Carry a first-aid kit in the car (or boat, wrapped in a waterproof container), as well as in the house. Campers, bikers, hikers, and persons who spend time in remote areas should take a first-aid kit with them. Once a year, check supplies for expiration dates. Restock items when they are used up or when expiration dates have passed.

First-Aid Supplies & Medicines

Image of person holding first aid kit.

•  Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.

•  Adhesive bandages of different sizes.

•  Antibiotic ointment.

•  Antidiarrheal medicine.

•  Antihistamine tablets or syrup.

•  Antiseptic ointment or wipes.

•  Calibrated medicine spoon & dropper (for kids).

•  Cold pack.

•  Cotton-tipped swabs.

•  Elastic wrap and closures.

•  Flashlight and extra batteries.

•  Hydrocortisone ointment.

•  Safety pins.

•  Scissors.

•  Sterile gauze pads, a roll of gauze, and tape.

•  Sterile nonstick dressings.

•  Sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher).

•  Tweezers.

Add Extra Items for a Car or Boat

•  Clean, folded sheet. Blanket.

•  Large flashlight. Extra batteries. Flares. Rope.

•  Plastic bottle of water, tightly capped.

•  Protective clothing and footwear.

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