First aid and medicine
A kit helps. Knowing what to do with it helps more.
The kit
- Plasters, sterile dressings, bandages, tape, scissors, tweezers.
- Disposable gloves, antiseptic wipes, a thermometer.
- The pain and fever medicine your family normally uses.
- Anything personal: inhalers, allergy medicine, spare glasses.
Prescription medicine
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to keep a spare supply.
- Keep a written list of names and doses in the kit.
- Check dates twice a year when the clocks change.
Skills
- Do a first aid course. One day, and you carry it everywhere.
- Learn CPR and how to stop heavy bleeding.
- Refresh every couple of years.
Limits
- This page is general information, not medical advice.
- In an emergency call your local emergency number.
More from official sources
Updated 9 October 2026.