Accidents can happen when you least expect them.
It can even happen in the comfort of our own homes which is why it pays to be ready should an emergency take place.
Having your own first aid kit at home will go a long way in giving family remembers an immediate relief and medication should something untoward happens.
If you still don’t have one ready, below are some of the items you should include if you decide to put one together.
1. Container
To keep things organized, you need something to hold all the items you’ll need. This all goes down to preference though depending on what’s available to you.
Some of the items you can use are backpacks, pouches, or even large plastic containers. For small items like pills and capsules, one can use small bottles or plastic bags to hold them together.
The point is to have everything you need to be kept in one place so you easily grab them in case of an emergency.
2. Emergency Phone Numbers
There’s no saying what we can or cannot do when we’re in a panic which is why it’s equally important to keep phone numbers of doctors, dentists, and local hospitals handy.
Make sure to have them posted somewhere visible like in the fridge or on the countertop so people can easily see them and make the call.
3. Antiseptic
Wounds, bites, and cuts are just some of the usual health hazards we encounter at home and the best way to treat them is to immediately clean them to avoid irritation and possible infection.
That being said, make sure to keep antibacterial soap, hydrogen peroxide, and pain relief ointment in your first aid kit. Just make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap before cleaning the wound using these antiseptics.
4. Creams and Ointments
Another first aid kit essential that should always be available is the various creams and ointments we use for wound care.
This may include petroleum jelly, aloe vera gel, and an anti-itch cream among others. For minor cuts and burns, Vaseline petroleum jelly would be ideal because it can help with oxygen flow and can make your wounds heal faster.
5. Pain Relievers
No first aid kit will ever be complete without pain relievers because pain relief should always be immediate.
A bottle of acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen (or all three) would be good to have. Aspirin is good for treating aches, fever, and joint pains while Ibuprofen is best used for muscle pain. Acetaminophen has the same effect as aspirin. The only difference is it’s anti-inflammatory.
It’s best to have all three in your kit so you’ll have everything you need and you have choices just in case.
6. Bandages
You don’t need to visit your doctor if you sustain minor cuts, burns, sprains, and strains. Such injuries are easily treatable with the use of an array of bandages and wraps.
Adhesive bandages and gauze are best used in managing and stopping bleeding while aluminum splints are efficient in providing support for sprained limbs.
7. Medical equipment
Every first aid kit should also contain a few important medical equipments that can be used for several important purposes.
One such equipment is a thermometer which is used to monitor body temperature. Tweezers will also come in handy especially if you need to remove splinters or any small objects lodged inside the skin.
For quick relief for aches and pains, an instant cold compress will also come in handy and if someone at home suffers from high blood pressure, a Sphygmomanometer should also be part of your kit.
Other helpful items that offer quick relief should also be included which is why over the counter meds used to treat allergies, food poisoning, and flu should also be part of your first aid kit.
Final Thoughts
No accident or emergency is insurmountable when you’ve got everything you need to deal with such circumstances. A home first aid kit containing all the items mentioned should give you everything you need to address sudden health issues that may arise.