ake first-aid preparations a priority in your home. If you don’t already have one, why not put a first-aid kit together? Make sure every member of your family knows where the kit is kept and how to use each item in it (as much as possible according to age). The following list of first-aid items is suggested by the American College of Emergency Physicians. a first-aid manual. For guidance in the initial treatment of cuts, burns and other injuries. a list of emergency phone numbers including numbers of your family’s doctors. To save time in an emergency. disposable gloves. To protect your hands and reduce the risk of infection when treating open wounds. acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin. To treat pain, fever, headaches and simple sprains or strains. ipecac syrup and activated charcoal. To be used only as recommended by a poison control center or the emergency department when poison has been ingested. elastic wraps. To wrap injuries of the elbow, knee, ankle or wrist. scissors with rounded tips. To safely remove bandages. adhesive tape and gauze in rolls and 2- and 4-inch pads. To dress wounds. disposable, instant activating ice bags. To treat high fevers and for cold treatment of injuries. antibiotic ointment. To treat cuts, scrapes and burns. 1/4-inch and 1-inch bandage closures. To tape cuts together (can replace stitches). tweezers. To remove ticks and splinters. safety pins. To fasten bandages. Note: Be sure to lock your first-aid kit away from young children. © Your HealthStyle, 1999.