Every home should have its own first aid kit filled with something to treat minor bumps and scrapes as well as head and tummy aches. Do you really know what you need to have on hand in a moment’s notice?

Though it is impossible to be prepared for every minor emergency, here is a guide of what to include in your own first aid kit.

• Sterile gauze pads
• Adhesive bandages –You should have a good supply of both gauze pads and bandages to cover cuts and burns. The best treatment for minor cuts and burns that have not blistered is to wash the area thoroughly with a disinfectant soap and water, then cover it with the gauze. If bleeding persists, apply pressure to the area with your hand and then wrap with bandage antibiotic. If this does not alleviate the bleeding, take the injured person to an emergency department.
• Plastic bandages in two or three sizes
• Elastic bandage
• Adhesive tape
• Pain reliever – This can soothe pain following minor burns or sprains.
• A roll of sterile cotton
• Cotton-tipped swabs
• Antibiotic cream, lotion or spray –It’s a good idea to have some antibacterial ointment on hand for small burns and cuts. If you feel it’s necessary, apply a thin layer of ointment to the wound after it’s washed and dressed.
• Blunt-tipped scissors
• Tweezers – A sterile pair of tweezers is the best instrument to remove splinters. Wash the area with a disinfectant soap and cover with a bandage.
• Eye cup (to fit over the eye to flush it)
• Water or Saline
• Thermometer
• Hot water bottle or heating pad
• Ice pack
• Decongestant – Over-the-counter decongestants are often all you need to treat a cold or congestion due to allergies.
• Anti-diarrhea medication – These medicines usually resolve most upset stomachs resulting from a minor virus or food reaction. If diarrhea persists more than 24 hours, call your physician.
• Syrup of Ipecac – You should first call the Poison Control Center before giving Ipecac. If your child accidentally swallows poison, one teaspoon of Ipecac followed by a large glass of warm water should induce vomiting and assist in ridding the poison from the body.