The first aid kit may be needed at home, on a vacation, or while hiking or camping. Therefore, the contents should be kept in a small box that is portable. Medications are usually not included. The following items should be included:

• Band-Aids
• sterile gauze pads - both regular and nonstick type
• adhesive tape, 1/2-inch width
• Steri-Strips (for closing minor lacerations)
• soap - small sample bar

  (Note: Hydrogen peroxide solution is unnecessary. It's no better than soap and water for cleaning wounds.)

• alcohol wipes or pledgets
• elastic bandage (for sprained ankle)
• triangular bandage (for sprained ankle or arm injury, or as a tourniquet)
• needle and tweezers (for removing slivers or ticks)
• razor blade (for poisonous snake bite)
• small scissors
• papain (meat tenderizer powder for bee stings)
• insect repellent
• sunscreen
• adrenalin and syringe (optional, needed if a family member has a severe allergy to bee stings)
• oral airway (optional)
• extra supplies for hiking or camping:
  • compass
  • whistle
  • flashlight
  • matches
• optional medications for camping:
  • antibiotic ointment
  • hydrocortisone cream
  • antihistamines
  • acetaminophen or ibuprofen.