No one knows what life will throw at us, so we should always be prepared for emergencies. Most injuries are not life threatening but knowing how to treat them can make a big difference. It’s best that we know how to treat minor injuries like cuts or burns; taking CPR courses is not a bad idea either. It’s clear that it’s essential for every home and family to have a first aid kit. There are ready-made first aid kits that can be purchased in pharmacies and the like. However, it’s easier to make your own kit, and here’s how.
- Pick a good sized container. Choose one that’s accessible, portable, light and big enough to store the basics and some extras. A compact tackle box is one of the most popular containers for a first aid kid. These kits should also be waterproof, which can be done by using Ziploc bags to seal the supplies.
- Divide your first aid kit into two parts. One is for all the basic necessities like bandages and ointments while the second is for the medicines that your family needs and uses.
- Fill your first aid kit with supplies. Make sure that they’re sterile and new. Your kit should have the following items –
– Adhesive dressings of different sizes and shapes. Put in a box or two of regular Band-Aids as well as large dressings.
– Adhesive tapes
– Antibiotic ointment for staving off infection
– Antiseptic hand cleanser
– Cotton Balls of different sizes
– CPR breathing mask.
– Gauze pads. You can stock them in different sizes or just opt for the large ones since you can just cut them if needed.
– Hydrogen peroxide
– Insect bite swabs
– Insect repellent
– Instant cold packs
– Medicines like acetaminophen, antibiotics, antihistamine, ibuprofen, cold medicines etc
– Non-latex gloves. Keep at least 2 pairs in case there’s blood, body fluids or dangerous waste.
– Roller bandages of different sizes. Put in some triangular bandages as well.
– scissors
– sterile dressings
– thermometer
– tweezers
– wet wipes for cleaning surfaces. Stock alcohol and non-alcohol wipes.
It’s also a good idea to put the medical condition and information of your whole family in the first aid kit. Try to organize it so rescuers and medical personnel can see it easily.
- Store the first aid kit someplace accessible. Teach your kids where it is and show it to other family members and friends who frequently visit your home. Choose a location that makes it accessible from any room in the house. There are several ideal places where you can store your first aid kit, like the bathroom or kitchen cabinet, your car’s glove compartment, garage, workshop or home office.
Having several first aid kits is a good idea. One kit can be for the home while another can be stored in the car. This ensures that you’re prepared to deal with emergencies wherever you are.
Remember to open and go through your first aid kit 2-3 times a year and check your supplies. See if there are any expired medicines or materials and replace them. Emergency preparedness doesn’t end with simply having a first aid kit in the family. Taking First Aid and CPR courses or classes in emergency management will also help keep you and your family safe.