The medicine chest or first-aid kit should be kept well stocked and should be restocked every 6 months. The following basic supplies are useful to have on hand:

• Activated charcoal (call the poison control center before using)
• Adhesive tape
• Antihistamine for allergic reactions
• Antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracinSome Trade Names
  BACIIM
  )
• Antiseptic solution or towelettes
• AcetaminophenSome Trade Names
  TYLENOL
  or ibuprofenSome Trade Names
  ADVIL MOTRIN
  
• Bandage adhesive strips in various sizes and shapes
• Chewable baby aspirinSome Trade Names
  BAYER
  in case of symptoms of a heart attack (call a doctor before taking)
• Cold pack or ice bag
• Compression (elastic) bandage for sprains and strains
• Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
• Eye wash (sterile)
• First-aid manual
• Gauze bandages in a roll, 2 or 3 inches (5 or 7 centimeters) wide
• Gauze pads in various sizes to stop bleeding and cover wounds
• Gloves (latex or nitrile)
• Hand sanitizer
• HydrocortisoneSome Trade Names
  See cortisol
  cream for insect bites and stings
• LoperamideSome Trade Names
  IMODIUM
  in case of diarrhea (call a doctor before taking)
• Pen light or flashlight with extra batteries
• Petroleum jelly
• Plastic bags for the disposal of potentially contaminated material
• Rehydration solution (call a doctor before taking)
• Sharp scissors
• Soap
• Thermometer
• Tissues
• Tweezers

Additionally, have the following readily available:

• Phone numbers and contact information for family doctors, emergency services, and regional poison control center (1-800-222-1222)
• List of drugs (both prescription and over-the-counter) each family member takes
• Medical history forms for each family member

Many people consider taking a first-aid course through the American Red Cross or some other agency. See the American Red Cross web site for more information. People may also need to prepare children for medical emergencies in age-appropriate ways.

Last full review/revision March 2013 by Amy H. Kaji, MD, PhD