Whether you're loading the kids into the car for a long road trip, or packing your suitcase before you fly off to a conference, it's wise to supply yourself with a basic first aid kit. Cuts, bug bites, motion sickness, and headaches can strike at any time. It's no fun to be in your hotel room in a strange city at midnight nursing a bad headache with no pain reliever and no place to buy any.

FIRST AID KIT FOR THE CAR
Every car should be equipped with a basic first aid kit in case of emergencies on the road, which can range from minor cuts to injuries in an automobile accident. While there are many types of first aid kits for the car available in stores, it's often better to assemble your own so you know exactly what is in it. Get a sturdy plastic or metal box, such as a tackle box or tool box, to store your supplies in. Before taking a road trip, check the first aid box and replace outdated supplies. Stock your kit with these basic supplies:

- First aid manual: Be sure to read this so you know what to do in case of an emergency. Better still, take a course in first aid so you'll be ready for emergencies.

- Adhesive bandages: Stock several sizes and shapes for covering small cuts.

- Antibiotic ointment: Applying ointment to cuts will reduce the risk of infection.

- Sterile gauze pads and gauze roller bandage: Use these for dressing longer cuts or to cover rashes or irritations.

- Compression bandages or feminine pads: To stop bleeding from severe wounds.

- Antiseptic wipes and alcohol wipes: For cleaning small cuts and wounds.

- Hydrocortisone cream: Just in case someone wanders into the poison ivy at a rest stop, or gets mosquito bites.

- Calamine lotion: For treating poison ivy blisters and itchy skin.

- Tweezers: For pulling slivers.

- Scissors: For cutting gauze bandages.

- First aid tape: Use paper tape for taping gauze dressings in place.

- Triangular bandages: These can be used for anything from a sling for an injured arm to a compress for a bleeding wound.

- Plastic (not latex) gloves: Use gloves when treating wounds, especially if you're helping someone you do not know.

- Emergency blanket: Pack several compact mylar blankets and an inexpensive fleece blanket or two. If you're traveling in snow country, even if you're just passing through, be sure there is a thick blanket for everyone in the car just in case you are stranded.

- Road flares or other emergency signals, in case of accidents.

- Flashlight,

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