$Unique_ID{BRK01856} $Pretitle{} $Title{The Complete First Aid Kit} $Subject{First Aid first-aid kit kits suggestion suggestions item items medication medications inflammation fever pain anti-indigestion indigestion remedy remedies anti-itch itch antihistamine antihistamines cortisone cream creams insect repellant repellants antiseptic antiseptics alcohol iodine adhesive bandage bandages tape gauze antibiotic antibiotics ointment ointments Elastic roller foot powder snake snakes bite scissors tweezers sun screen lotion manual emergency emergencies camp camping accident accidents hike hiking} $Volume{} $Log{ Protection from Ticks*0005202.scf} Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. A Complete First Aid Kit ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: We have a little cabin in the mountains where we love to spend our summers. The family also uses this site as a getaway all through the summer season. We want to be prepared for all emergencies, and are putting together a First Aid kit to keep on hand. Since we all do a lot of hiking around the area, we want to be especially ready for those type of problems. Can you offer some suggestions for items that should be included in the kit? Perhaps this information can also help your other readers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: Excluding prescription medications, which should always be taken along when you leave home and should be fresh and in sufficient quantity for your needs, a good First Aid kit for the circumstances you describe should include the following items. First priority is medications that can reduce inflammation, fever and pain. Acetaminophen and aspirin work for reducing fever, aspirin and ibuprofen will help bring down inflammations, and all help with pain. Next in line are stomach troubles, so put you favorite anti-diarrhea medication and indigestion remedies in next. If bug bites are frequent in your "neck of the woods" include anti-itch medications such as antihistamines and cortisone creams, and include an effective insect repellant in the supplies you take to the cabin. Be prepared for all the cuts, scratches and scrapes that may occur, and stock up on antiseptics (alcohol and iodine), adhesive bandages, tape gauze and bandages. Have your pharmacist recommend a good antibiotic ointment, to help protect against infections in the scraped areas. Elastic roller bandages in three sizes--2", 3" and 4"--are very practical for a number of uses, especially for the twisted ankles that may result from a misstep on a hike. You might also wish to add a medicated foot powder, if hiking is a principle activity. Depending upon the area of country you camp in, a snake bite kit may be useful. Also be sure to include a pair of sharp scissors in the kit as well as a small, pointed pair of tweezers, that is the approved method for removing ticks. Add a supply of sun screen to the kit, and don't forget to use it appropriately. If your knowledge of first aid is less than you might like it to be, add a good first-aid manual to the kit, where it may help indicate the correct procedures for emergencies. Tape a list of needed telephone numbers, emergency, medical, police and fire, to the inside cover of the kit, and place a second list near the telephone. You are now ready for all those emergencies we hope will never happen. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.