First Aid Safety Kit - create first aid kit, aspirin, bandages, gauze

Kit - should be portable, strong and easy to open. A sewing box, tackle box or other large container is ideal.

First Aid Manual - can be purchased at any bookstore or drugstore. You should consider taking a First Aid or CPR course.

Hydrogen Peroxide - helps clean minor cuts and abrasions.

Sterile Eyewash - will irrigate eyes of any foreign material.

Aspirin - does double duty as a pain reliever and heart saver. Not sure if it is a heart attack? Chew a few aspirin while help arrives. The chewing gets the aspirin into your blood stream quicker than swallowing and help reduce heart damage. Read the package instructions for recommended dosage and warnings

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen - for temporary relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscular aches, backaches, arthritis, and also serves as a fever reducer.

Petroleum Jelly - protects the skin and can be used on minor cuts, scrapes and burns, sunburns and dry skin.

Self-adhesive Bandages - come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Use to protect minor cuts, scrapes and wounds and to absorb drainage. Handy item for every first aid kit.

Dramamine - Dimenhydrinate prevents and treats nausea, vomiting and dizziness associated with motion sickness.

Rubber Gloves - use for handling body fluids or open wounds.

Calamine Lotion and Hydrocortisone Cream - provides temporary relief of itching and pain associated with insect bites, minor skin irritation and rashes due to poison ivy, oak or sumac. Make sure you have this item in your first aid kit during the poison growing season.

Instant Ice Pack - requires no freezing. Read package instructions and use any time that you need to minimize swelling or to soothe bruises, muscle aches and stiffness. No first aid kit should be without one

Non-adhesive Triangular Bandage - has multiple uses. If sterile, it can be used to cover wounds, otherwise use it as a sling to stabilize extremities.

Antiseptic Ointment / wipes - help prevent bacterial contamination of minor wounds, cuts and burns.

Adhesive Tape - is often used for securing bandages. It can be hypoallergenic, cloth or plastic.

Sterile Cotton and Gauze Pads - can be used to clean lacerations, stop bleeding and absorb drainage. Try to always have this in your first aid kit.

Thermometer - used for measuring body temperature. Get either a digital or tympanic (via ear) model.

Tweezers - should have pointed tips. They are handy for removing splinters and shards imbedded in the skin.

Scissors - for cutting gauze or clothing. Get a small pair with blunt ends. This will really come in handy and should be in your first aid kit.