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Summer Health Survival Guide

First Aid Essentials Checklist

The 10 most important items to have in your first-aid kit, according to the American Red Cross.

  • Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes

    Related: First Aid Basics: Bandages

  • Sterile gauze pads in various sizes and cloth adhesive tape to secure them
  • Latex-free disposable gloves, to protect you from bodily fluids or other matter (latex-free material prevents potential allergic reactions)
  • Tweezers
  • Thermometer (the digital variety is safest)
  • Triple-antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin)
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • First-aid instructions
  • Topical antihistamines and aspirin (or some other type of over-the-counter pain reliever recommended by your doctor)
  • A face mask to protect you from germs or bodily fluids when administering CPR

    Related: First Aid for Common Injuries

Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

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