First Aid Kit

FIRST AID KIT
In any emergency a family member or you yourself may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

Things you should have:
Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Burn ointment to prevent infection.
Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
Thermometer (Read more: Biological Threat)
Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.

Things it may be good to have:
Cell Phone
Scissors
Tweezers
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Non-prescription drugs:
Potassium Iodide (Read more: Nuclear Blast)
Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for upset stomach)
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Laxative
Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)


SPECIAL NEEDS ITEMS
Remember the special needs of your family members. Infants, the elderly and persons with disabilities need the same planning as everyone else, and sometimes a little more, to be prepared for a terrorist attack.

For Baby:
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications
Moist towelettes
Diaper rash ointment

For Adults:
Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin and other prescription drugs.
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses

For more information on supplies, see "Your Family Disaster Supply Kit" from American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency

For Seniors:
Plan how you will evacuate or signal for help.
Plan emergency procedures with home health care agencies or workers.
Tell others where you keep your emergency supplies.
Teach others how to operate necessary equipment.
Label equipment like wheelchairs, canes or walkers.

Additional supplies for seniors:
List of prescription medications including dosage in your supply kits. Include any allergies.
Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.
Extra wheelchair batteries or other special equipment in your supply kit.
A list of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers in your emergency supply kits.
Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards.
List of doctors and emergency contacts.

For People with Disabilities:
Create a support network to help in an emergency.
Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies.
Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.
Contact your city or county government's emergency information management office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be located quickly in a sudden emergency.
Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.
If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.
Show others how to operate your wheelchair.
Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported.

Additional Supplies for People with Disabilities:
Prescription medicines, list of medications including dosage, list of any allergies.
Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.
Extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen.
Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices.
Medical insurance and Medicare cards.
List of doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt.

For more information on supplies, see "Your Family Disaster Supply Kit" from American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

For more information on special needs, see Disaster Preparedness For People With Disabilities from FEMA, and Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors from the Red Cross.