First-aid kits are a necessity in the home, car, and at work sites because minor injuries play a major role in our everyday lives.  While much time is spent during first-aid training on life-threatening situations, the average person will have to deal with minor injuries more often.  While CPR skills are essential, so is knowing how to use a first-aid kit.

The Elk Grove Village Fire Department suggests the following items to complete your first-aid kit.

• Tweezers to remove splinters or small objects from a wound
• A large safety pin to remove a splinter or secure a bandage
• Mouth-to-mouth barrier devices to provide rescue breathing
• Disposable medical-grade exam gloves to protect against bloodborne diseases
• Ice bags to treat dislocations, bruises, and muscle strains
  
• Gauze pads 4 inches x 4 inches to control bleeding and prevent infection
• Adhesive-strip bandages in assorted sizes for small cuts and shallow wounds
• A conforming self-adhering roller bandage to hold a compression dressing or splint in place
• Scissors to cut bandages or clothing