Winter 2004
Ask the Pharmacist
By Christy Wiebe, Pharm.D.
 How Can I Prepare for Emergencies?
In addition to stocking basic medicines, it’s important to have some
essential first-aid items on hand in your medicine cabinet. With the right
supplies, many minor emergencies can be appropriately treated at home.
Even in the case of a more serious event, some critical first-aid
materials might help stabilize a situation while waiting for emergency
personnel to provide assistance. The following recommendations will help
you prepare for household emergencies.
Accidental Poisoning
The National Poison Control Hotline, 1-800-222-1222, is the most important
item you must have available in case of any accidental poisoning. Be sure
to post this toll-free number by all of your phones and cell phones, and
inside your medicine cabinet and first-aid kits. This national hotline
will connect you to your local poison control center and trained personnel
who can provide you with critical management information specific to your
situation.
Each accidental poisoning must be treated individually. Some poisons
require that vomiting is induced, while with other substances, vomiting
may actually worsen the situation. A couple of poison antidotes may be
stocked in your medicine cabinet for use only when instructed by poison
control center or emergency medical personnel: activated charcoal and
syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting. Some safety experts recommend that you
keep a 1-ounce bottle of ipecac syrup on hand for each child under the age
of five. But when it comes to poisoning, remember that prevention is the
best medicine. Store poisonous materials out of children’s reach and
sight, label them clearly and teach kids to recognize and avoid
questionable substances.
First-Aid Items
It’s also a good idea to keep a first-aid manual easily accessible, along
with all emergency phone numbers including your doctor and pharmacy,
police and fire departments, and poison control.
In addition to maintaining a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, it is
also wise to keep a first aid kit in your vehicle. A mobile first-aid kit
should include the above items, and you may also consider adding chemical
ice packs, a clean towel, latex gloves, face masks, rinse-free hand
cleanser and bottled water.
Prescription Medications
Finally, never let your prescription medications run out. Keep at least a
three-day supply on hand at all times and order your refills five to seven
days before your prescriptions expire. As an added precaution, especially
for people with unstable medical conditions, the Council on Family Health
recommends keeping a day’s supply of medication with you whenever you go
out, in case you are delayed getting home.
First-Aid Items
St. John’s Trauma Services recommends the following first-aid items for
the well-stocked medicine cabinet:
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes for simple cuts or abrasions
Butterfly bandages and narrow adhesive strips to hold the edges of a cut
together to allow it to heal
Individually wrapped, sterile gauze pads (2 inch and 4 inch to control
bleeding or secretions and prevent contamination
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape to hold a dressing or splint in place
Roll of absorbent cotton as padding for a splint
Sterile roller bandages (2 inch and 3 inch) to lend support to sprained or
sore muscles
Cotton-tipped swabs
Thermometer. Mercury thermometers are not recommended
Petroleum jelly
Scissors and tweezers
Anti-itch lotion or cream for relief of insect bites, itching and minor
skin irritations
Antiseptic ointment, spray, towelettes, or hydrogen peroxide for cleansing
wounds
Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection of minor wounds
Eye wash, e.g. saline solution.
Your health and the health of your family are important. Following these
basic tips can help you stay safe and well-prepared for the unexpected.
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