In the moment you’re faced with an emergency, it’s too late to start researching how to respond. Knowing what to do for injuries and health-related emergencies, such as sudden heart attacks or strokes, is an important part of your preparedness plan — for your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Make sure you and your family members have at minimum a basic knowledge of first aid, and that your first aid kits are well-stocked and easily accessible in case of emergency.
The Oregon Office of Emergency Management recommends having a first aid kit stored in a cool, dry location of your home, vehicle, and workplace. Before you go buy pre-packaged first aid kits, keep in mind that they often contain primarily adhesive bandages and leave out other essentials. Save money and get the items you need by buying the contents in bulk, then packaging the items in containers that work best for you, such as backpacks or plastic totes.
Once your first aid kits have been assembled, make sure each of your family members knows how to use the items. Remember to check your kit periodically for expired contents needing to be replaced.
Supplies
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Elastic wrap bandages
- Assorted sizes of bandage strips
- Nonstick sterile bandages and roller gauze in assorted sizes
- Triangular bandages
- Aluminum, cardboard splints
- Instant hot and cold packs
- Cotton balls, cotton-tipped swabs
- Disposable non-latex gloves
- Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Plastic bags (assorted sizes)
- Safety pins (assorted sizes)
- Blunt scissors and tweezers
- Hand sanitizer or soap
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic solution/towelettes
- Eye dropper
- Eyewash solution
- Sterile eye pad or shield
- Oral thermometer (digital)
- Bulb suction device for flushing wounds
- Syringe, medicine cup or spoon
- Disposable resuscitation face shield (breathing barrier)
- Anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen, Advil, etc.)
- Pain reliever (Tylenol, aspirin, etc.)
- Antihistamine (such as Benedryl)
- Antacid
- Laxative
- Anti-diarrhea
- Emetic (induces vomiting)
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Activated charcoal
- Cough & cold medication
- EpiPen, if prescribed by your doctor
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Emergency blanket
- First-aid manual / instructions
Prepare to Help Others
In an emergency, your ability to stay calm will be critical. That’s because thinking clearly and quickly depends largely on you keeping your cool. To ensure calm nerves in an emergency that demands quick decisions, the best thing you can do is have adequate first aid and CPR knowledge when you need it. Knowing what to do, whether it’s applying pressure to a wound or administering CPR, can make all the difference in a life-or-death situation.
Check for CPR and first aid trainings available in your area. Make sure at least one member of your household is trained in CPR and first aid.