Put together a basic first aid kit

Keep one at home and a smaller one in the car or your bag.

Basics:

• Plasters (bandages) in several sizes
• Sterile gauze pads and medical tape
• A roll bandage and a triangular bandage
• Antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers and small scissors
• Disposable gloves
• A digital thermometer
• An instant cold pack

Medicines (check what's right for your household and ask a pharmacist if unsure):

• Pain and fever relief
• Antihistamine for allergies
• Oral rehydration salts

Also:

• A list of emergency numbers and anyone's allergies or conditions
• A small torch

Check it every six months. Replace anything used or expired. A kit with an empty plaster box is the most common kind.

Learning basic first aid (a half-day course) is worth more than anything in the box.