What's a "complete first-aid kit"? Whether you buy it ready-made or put it together yourself, make sure it contains all of the following:

- Sterile gauze pads
- Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Two rolls of gauze, 1 and 2 inches wide
- Roll of adhesive tape, 1 inch wide
- Roll of absorbent cotton
- Elastic bandages 2 and 3 inches wide
- Tissues
- Cotton-tipped swabs
- Precut triangular bandages of various sizes for slings, splints, and bandages
- Airtight packages of wipes
- Tongue depressors
- Splints
- Sharp scissors
- Pair of tweezers
- Oral thermometer (rectal thermometer for infants and very young children)
- Safety pins
- Aspirin or acetaminophen
- Tightly covered bottle of hydrogen peroxide
- Antiseptic spray or cream
- Antihistamine tablets
- Antidiarrheal medication
- Container of ipecac syrup

And just as importantly, make sure everyone in your family knows basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The first few minutes after an accident or illness are critical -- your help can save a life.

First aid and CPR Classes are available for adults, teens, and children through organizations such as the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and local hospitals.