This article will provide a simple checklist of items that should be included in a first aid kit. It is a good idea to assemble these items and put them in a spot where they are easily accessible. If you do this now, you will not find yourself searching drawers, medicine cabinets and bathrooms for the need items. It only takes a few minutes and is relatively inexpensive to put a kit together.

1. Carrying case: Any type of case that you have around the house (even an old purse will do). I prefer to use a small plastic toolbox. It’s light and portable and won’t cost you more than 5 to 6 dollars.

2. Band-aids: include 12 to 18 band-aids of various sizes

3. Adhesive Tape: Include 2 rolls of tape. 1 roll should be ½ inch and the other should be 1 inch.

4. 4 X 4 gauze dressings: include 12 of these individually wrapped sterile pads.

5. 2 X 2 gauze dressings: include 12 of these individually wrapped sterile dressings.

6. 4 inch Roller Gauze (Kling): Include 4 rolls

7. 3 inch Roller Gauze (Kling): Include 4 rolls

8. 2 inch Roller Gauze (Kling): Include 4 rolls.

9. Ace Bandage: Include 1 - 4 inch roll. This can be used for strains and sprains and also doubles as a pressure bandage to control bleeding.

10. Ice Packs: Include 2. These are used to help reduce swelling.

11. Steri-Strips: 1 package. These are also known as Butter-Flys, Adhesive Sutures, Adhesive Closures.

12. Betadine Antiseptic: 4oz bottle or 12 individually wrapped swabs.

13. Neosporin/Bacitracin Ointment: 1 tube. This is a topical antibiotic.

14. Cortisone Ointment: 1 tube. This is especially helpful with any contact dermatitis (i.e. poison ivy, oak)

15. Benadryl tablets: 1 package, 24 tablets, 25mg/tablet. This is an over the counter antihistamine that will help control allergic reactions(Be sure to read and dispense as per the directions on the package)

16. Eye wash: 1 small vial. I prefer a normal saline wash but any type will do (i.e. Visine, Clear eyes)

17. Bandage scissors: 1 pair. Do not let your household scissors do double duty. These scissors are blunted and won’t inflict any further injury.

18. Forceps: 1 pair disposable splinter forceps (Tweezers)

Always include a good first aid manual in your kit. Also, print the telephone numbers to your fire department, police, poison control office, and your doctor on a label and affix it to the inside cover of your first-aid kit. That way they are always handy.