First Aid

If you've ever been faced with a medical problem at home, you know how important it is to have first-aid supplies on hand. So it's a good idea to check now to see if your supplies are in good shape. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) says there are a number of things you can include in a basic home first aid kit. Among them are:

• bandages in assorted sizes
• sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
• surgical tape
• absorbent cotton
• topical antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide
• antiseptic ointment
• thermometer
• tweezers
• tissues and cotton swabs
• a cold pack for sprains or other health problems that may require ice
• over-the-counter medications, including pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen; antacids; cold or allergy medications; antidiarrhea medicine (Read about "Allergies" "Diarrhea")
• a good first-aid manual which can offer guidance in dealing with unexpected emergencies

More precautions

The Council on Family Health recommends that you clean out your medicine cabinet and first aid kit once a year. Throw away those medicines that are out of date. Get rid of any prescriptions you aren't taking anymore. Dump the medication or supplies if you can't read all the instructions. If a product has changed color or smells, it should be discarded right away. Make sure, too, that you keep medications in their original containers and out of children's reach. Read all package directions carefully.

Some organizations, including ACEP, suggest keeping on hand a bottle of syrup of ipecac (which induces vomiting) and/or activated charcoal (which can prevent the absorption of certain poisons). Check with your doctor. If you do have these products, make sure they are always stored out of children's reach. And, most importantly, do not administer them to anyone until you've first called your doctor or poison control center, provided them with all the information they need to correctly evaluate the situation, and then been specifically instructed by them to do so. (Read about "Poison Prevention")

Finally, make sure you have a list of emergency numbers, including your doctor's phone number, kept within easy reach by the phone. You might also want to keep a list of other essential information handy. (See our "Medical Information Printout") And if your health insurance plan has certain procedures to follow to ensure coverage of emergency treatment, make sure you've reviewed these in advance with all family members. Remember, in an emergency situation, getting the right treatment quickly can make a significant difference. No one wants to think that emergencies will happen, but if and when they do, it's best to be prepared.

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