The home first-aid kit: what should it really contain?

A good first-aid kit doesn't have to be big — it has to be organized, up to date, and easy for everyone at home to find. A basic list for every household:

• Sterile gauze in several sizes, compression bandages, and medical tape.
• Assorted adhesive dressings and saline for rinsing wounds and eyes.
• Medical gloves, small scissors, and tweezers.
• A triangular bandage for arm support and instant cold packs.
• A thermal blanket and a thermometer.
• A card listing emergency numbers, medications, and allergies for each family member.

Check the kit every 6 months, replace anything expired, and store it out of children's reach, away from heat and humidity.