You can’t live a full life without a few bumps and bruises along the way. Meeting those injuries head-on as the family first responder means assembling a well-stocked kit for your home and a travel kit for your car. Your home first aid kit should include:

• Emergency contact numbers (your doctor and local poison control centre)
• An assortment of adhesive bandages (including butterfly wound closure strips)
• Medical ointments (antibiotic, aloe vera gel, and calamine lotion)
• Hand sanitizer
• Antiseptic solution and wipes
• Gauze dressings
• Rolled compression bandages (e.g., Tensor)
• Triangular bandages (can double as a sling)
• Safety pins, scissors, and tweezers
• Medical or adhesive tape
• Instant ice packs
• Non-latex gloves
• Emergency blanket
• Thermometer
• Pain medication
• Antihistamines
• Blood thinners (like Aspirin)

**Emergency medications like epi-pens or puffers should always be with or near the person who might need them. Your emergency travel kit should contain:

• A flashlight (extra batteries) and roadside flares
• Jumper cables
• A can of aerosol tire inflator/sealant
• Power bank or portable charger (for your phone)
• Fire extinguisher
• Jug of water
• Waterproof matches and an emergency candle
• A compact shovel
• Blanket

The staff at Yurek Pharmacy would be happy to help you assemble the perfect first aid kit for your home. Remember, basic first aid courses are never a bad idea and having a working knowledge of CPR could save someone’s life!
Jeff Yurek, BScPhm, RPh