Emergencies

If you require immediate medical attention, please visit the Emergency Room at a hospital nearest you or call 911.

First Aid Kit

Every home needs a first aid kit. Below is a list of all the things that should be included in the first aid kit:

• Checklist
• Pain reliever/fever reducer
• Antacids
• Laxatives
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• First aid manual
• Adhesive bandages
• Large sterile dressings
• Sterile gauze
• Pre-mixed electrolyte solution
• Sewing needle
• Activated charcoal
• Safety pins
• Tube of petroleum jelly
• Asthma medication
• Adhesive tape
• Triangular bandages
• Disposable gloves
• Surgical masks
• Cold pack
• Antiseptic ointment
• Eye wash solution
• CPR breathing barrier
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Thermal emergency blanket

Also, if any household member takes medicine or uses a medical treatment on a regular basis, be sure to include the following items in the kit:

• Prescription medicines (at least a one-week supply)
• List of any routine treatments administered by a clinic, hospital or home health care, and a back-up service provider
• Supplies for other personal needs, such as eyeglasses, dentures, contact lenses, hearing aids, wheelchair and oxygen
• List of serial numbers, operating information and instructions for medical devices and equipment
• Copies of all medical insurance, Medicare cards and other medical documents, such as children's immunization records

Other important information to remember:

• Keep copies of important household documents in your kit, such as family records, medical records, wills, deeds, social security numbers, charge and bank accounts information and tax records
• Keep all documents in a waterproof container
• Teach other household members to operate any special medical equipment
• Label any equipment (wheelchairs, canes, and walkers) with name and contact information
• Don't forget to include your pets' medications and medical records

Information provided by codeReady, to view their Web site please go to www.codeready.org.