First Aid Kit

I firmly believe that every family needs a first aid kit!  And, with my family the past few weeks. . . my belief in that has been doubled.  You do not need anything fancy. You can buy one that is prepackaged or you can make your own. You should have one in your home and one for each vehicle.  I would even go as far as saying to have two for your home, one that you have out and use all of the time and one in your 72 hour kit (that way one is always in stock and full.)  If you are only able to afford one then start with that! Even if you are only able to carry a couple of bandages and some antibiotic ointment (i.e. neosporin) in a purse.

Here is what the red cross recommends for a first aid kit:
(This is for a family of 4 so you can adjust as needed)

*2 absorbent compress dressings (5x9 inches)- These are used when there is a lot of blood.
*25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
*1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
*5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)- I think a tube is sufficient
*5 antiseptic wipe packets
*2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
*1 blanket (space blanket)- these fold up tiny
*1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
*1 instant cold compress
*2 pair of non latex gloves (size large)- I think they say large so that they would fit anyone.
*2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)- 1tube would work
*scissors (I would suggest bandage scissors)
*1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
*1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
*5 sterile gauze pads (3x3 inches)
*5 sterile gauze pads (4x4 inches)
*Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non glass)- We have a forehead strip thermometer for the car.
*2 triangular bandages
*tweezers
*first aid instruction booklet

Those are the basics for a first aid kit.  I would suggest having Tylenol for headaches (children should not take aspirin), sting/bite cream, calamine lotion (for the poison ivy that loves Columbia), and hand sanitizer.  If you have issues with carsickness, upset stomachs, etc. . . add those in to your car kits so that you have them on trips.

Here is what the Mayo clinic recommends you have. They have a list of medications they recommend as well.

This is one step closer to getting you prepared!