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Complete home includes first aid kit The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) recommends that every home be prepared to respond to common medical emergencies by having a home first aid kit. Preventing emergencies is the best way to keep your family healthy and safe. However, you can protect your family and reduce your risk of injury and serious illness by preparing to respond in case one occurs.   Emergency physicians suggest including the items listed below in your kit. All the items are available from your local pharmacy.   For the kit itself, ACEP recommends using a tote bag, because it can hold all the items you need, as well as be visible where it is kept. It also can be easily transported, such as when you go on vacation. Appropriate members of the household should know where it is and how to use each item. Suggested Contents First Aid Manual: A valuable resource about health and safety and how to respond to many medical emergencies at home. ACEP also recommends taking a first-aid class, learning CPR, and always seeking immediate medical attention when you need it. Information and Emergency Phone Numbers: Family physician and pediatrician, regional Poison Control Center, and if 911 is not in your area, emergency services for local police, fire department, and ambulance service. List of Allergies and Medications: A separate list for each household member. Medicines and Supplies—Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Aspirin Tablets: To relieve headaches, pain, fever, and simple sprains or strains of the body. Have at least two aspirin tablets available at all times in case of heart attack, although use as recommended by your physician. Use appropriate dosages, and make sure the medicine is age appropriate. (Aspirin should not be used to relieve flu symptoms or be given to children.) Cough Suppressant: To relieve coughing. Use appropriate dosages, and make sure the medicine is age appropriate. Antihistamine: To relieve allergies and inflammation. Use appropriate dosages, and make sure the medicine is age appropriate. Decongestant Tablets: To relieve nasal congestion from colds or allergies. Use appropriate dosages, and make sure the medicine is age appropriate. Oral Medicine Syringe: To administer medicine to children. Activated Charcoal and Syrup of Ipecac: To treat ingestion of certain poisons. Use only on the advice of a Poison Control Center, physician, or emergency department. For more information, visit http://www.acep.org/webportal. Editor's note: The Wellness Column, a column featured in The Catalyst, is presented by the MUSC Employee Wellness Committee. The TEAM MUSC visual highlights a team approach to health and wellness. Its goal is to keep MUSC employees, staff, faculty and students informed about wellness opportunities available as well as provide the latest health and wellness tips.     Friday, June 10, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.