What supplies should your first aid kit have?

Keeping a first aid kit at home is an absolute necessity for the safety of your loved ones. Putting together a first aid kit is not very complicated at all. Essentially, this means having the right medical supplies all in one place in order to deal with a health and safety emergency at a moment’s notice.

Buy a well-stocked first aid kit

You can buy an already stocked first aid kit at your local store or at a dedicated web shop like Safety First Aid. Several options are available in pre-stocked first aid kits. You should choose one that meets your requirements based on the number of people in your home and any specific health issues they may have.

Make your own first aid kit

Alternatively, you could choose to make your own first aid kit.

In this case, the first step would be to choose a container. Look for something that is spacious, durable, and easy to open and carry. Plastic containers or boxes are quite appropriate as they are lightweight, have sufficient space and are usually lightweight. Choose a size that meets your requirements.

Basic essentials for your first aid kit and their uses

●     First aid handbook – for basic information in emergencies

●     Bottled water – for rinsing wounds

●     Sterile adhesive bandages in various sizes – simple  cuts or abrasions

●     Sterile gauze dressings in various sizes – to control secretions or bleeding

●     Narrow adhesive strips – to hold the edges of a cut

●     Absorbent cotton roll – to use as padding for a splint

●     Hypoallergenic tape – to hold a splint or dressing

●     Sterile bandage rolls – for sprained muscles or joints

●     Cotton tipped swabs – for applying medication

●     Thermometer – to check the temperature

●     Anti-itch lotion – for insect bites, itches, or minor skin irritations

●     Eye drops – for discomfort in the eyes

●     Antibiotic spray or ointment – for minor wounds

●     Face mask – for protection from dust, smoke or allergens

●     Gloves – to be used while dealing with an injury

●     Clean towel – for an ice wrap

●     Chemical ice packs

Basic essential medicines

Some basic medicines should also be in the first aid kit or perhaps the medicine cabinet, such as:                             

                                                                                

  ●     Basic pain relief medication

●     Fever relief medication

●     Cough medicine

●     Stomach medications for indigestion, diarrhea or heartburn

●     Antihistamine for itching or allergic reactions

●     Eye drops

Remember to check the medicines every six months to remove and replace the expired ones.

Choose a convenient and easily accessible place to keep your first aid kit, perhaps a kitchen or living room cabinet, and make sure that everyone at home knows where it is placed.