First Aid and Medical

An elderly person's hand holding an open prescription bottle with white pills spilling into their palm over a gray textured surface.

Category 5: First Aid and Medical

Beyond the Basic First Aid Kit

Your home kit should be more comprehensive than your go-bag:

Add to basic first aid:

  • More gauze, bandages, and medical tape

  • Elastic bandages (ACE wraps)

  • Splinting materials

  • Triangle bandages (for slings)

  • Medical scissors and hemostats

  • Blood pressure cuff

  • Thermometer

  • Ice packs

  • Heating pads

Medications (larger supply):

  • Pain relievers

  • Anti-inflammatories

  • Allergy medications

  • Cold and flu medicines

  • Anti-diarrheal

  • Laxatives

  • Antacids

  • Hydrocortisone cream

  • Antibiotic ointment

Prescription medications:

  • Minimum 7-day supply (30 days preferred)

  • Work with doctor to get extra supply

  • Rotate to prevent expiration

  • Keep list of all medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors

Medical references:

  • First aid manual

  • Family medical history

  • Emergency contact numbers

  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Resources

  • Red Cross First Aid: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid

  • CDC First Aid: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/first-aid.html

Building Your 3 Day Home Emergency Kit