It’s been said that a medicine chest or emergency supply box should be restocked every 6 months. This can get a little expensive, depending what it is you purchase, but it is important to keep at least the following supplies in close proximity whenever and wherever possible.

Antiseptic solution or towelettes
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Bandage adhesive strips in various sizes and shapes
Chewable baby aspirin in case of symptoms of a heart attack (call a doctor before taking)
Cold pack or ice bag
Compression (elastic) bandage for sprains and strains
Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
Eye wash (sterile)
First-aid manual
Gauze bandages in a roll, 2 or 3 inches (5 or 7 centimeters) wide
Gauze pads in various sizes to stop bleeding and cover wounds
Gloves (latex or nitrile)
Hand sanitizer
Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites and stings
Sharp scissors
Soap
Thermometer
Tissues
Tweezers

The above are not exclusive. If you would like to read about more items you should have in stock, go on over to Merck Manual.

By the way, it is also important to have the phone number the regional poison control center. You never know when someone will swallow something they definitely should not. Anyone with small children should have this number and that is: 1-800-222-1222.

Be prepared and be safe!