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First Aid & Medical Supplies

Keep a basic first-aid kit. Know how to reach poison control and emergency mental health support.

Risk Tier B Reviewed: draft on 2026-10-31

Build a first-aid kit

Keep these supplies in a clearly marked, easy-to-find container:

  • Bandages and dressings: sterile gauze pads (5×5 and 10×10 cm), adhesive bandages, elastic bandages
  • Medications: pain relievers, antihistamines, antacids, anti-diarrhoeal, thermometer
  • Ointments: antibiotic cream, antihistamine cream, hydrocortisone cream
  • Tools: scissors, tweezers, thermometer, gloves, CPR face shield
  • Other supplies: eye wash, saline solution, triangular bandages, CPR instructions

Know these emergency numbers

Emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 911

Poison Control: 1-844-764-7669 (Canada-wide, 24/7)

Mental Health Crisis Line: 988 (call or text, Canada-wide, 24/7, free and confidential)

Basic first aid

Cuts and scrapes:

  1. Wash the wound with clean water and mild soap.
  2. Pat dry with a clean cloth.
  3. Apply antibiotic ointment.
  4. Cover with a sterile bandage if needed.

Burns:

  1. Cool the burn under cool (not cold) running water for 10–20 minutes.
  2. Remove tight items (rings, bracelets) before swelling starts.
  3. Cover loosely with clean cloth.
  4. Do NOT apply ice directly or use ointments.
  5. Get medical help for burns larger than a few centimetres.

Sprains:

  1. Rest and immobilize the injured part.
  2. Apply ice wrapped in cloth for 15–20 minutes, several times a day.
  3. Compress with an elastic bandage.
  4. Elevate if possible.

Medication and special needs

  • Keep prescription medications in their original containers in a cool, dry place.
  • Keep at least a 3-day supply readily available for emergencies.
  • For ongoing medications, maintain regular refills and check expiry dates regularly.
  • If someone has allergies or medical conditions, keep emergency action plans visible and up to date.

Important

A basic first-aid kit handles minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. For serious injuries, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or poisoning:

  1. Call 911 immediately.
  2. Do not wait for help to arrive—provide care (recovery position, rescue breathing if trained).
  3. Keep poison control and mental health numbers posted on your fridge.

If local officials issue a health emergency, follow their guidance on which supplies are safe and what to do.