Article: One of the essentials when dealing with minor cuts and scrapes, is a variety of sizes and types of bandaging materials. Having multiple options from which to choose will make your first aid efforts simpler. Place all your bandages in a clear, zip-close bag clearly labeled in permanent marker. Include: 25 adhesive bandages of various sizes Five 3" x 3" and five 4" x 4" gauze pads A roll of cloth adhesive tape Two 5" x 9" sterile dressings One 3" wide and one 4" wide roller bandage (ace bandage) Two triangular bandages Be ready for plucking splinters, cutting bandages, and other first aid activities without having to rummage through the junk drawer. Place these in a marked zip-close bag as well. Definitely include: Small, sharp scissors Tweezers Two pairs of non-latex gloves Non-mercury oral thermometer Cotton balls and swabs CPR breathing barrier mask Instant cold compress First aid instruction booklet Hand sanitizer Cleansing wipes (for external cleaning only) Zip-close plastic bags (to dispose of medical waste) If you have a roomy kit, think about adding non-essential but useful medical tools in an additional, marked bag. These might include: Eye protection Prepackaged space (warming) blanket Aluminum finger splint Duct tape Petroleum jelly Sewing needle Safety pins Turkey baster (for flushing out wounds) Keep these separate from bandages and tools, and clearly marked. Check expiration dates regularly. You should be able to find travel / trial / first aid kit sized packs of most of the following: Aloe vera gel Calamine lotion Anti-diarrheal medication Laxatives Antacids Antihistamines Pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen) Hydrocortisone cream Cough / cold medicine Consider including small doses of prescription medications for each member of your family, especially in car / travel kits, in small, clearly marked containers with instructions for each. Keep close track of prescription medication expiration dates. If anyone in your family has severe allergies and a prescription for an epi-pen, keep one in the home kit with instructions, so a visitor could provide assistance in an emergency. Even for home kits, keeping a small stock of personalized medical supplies a bee sting kit, for example can prove useful if your medicine cabinet supply happens to be depleted.

What is a summary?
Include an array of bandages. Add basic medical tools. Consider adding additional tools as well. Make a separate section for medications. Personalize your kit with family medications.