Having first aid supplies on hand at home can allow you to be prepared in the case of an accident, injury or sudden illness. There are many first aid kits that you can purchase that allow you to conveniently and securely store your first aid supplies so that they are easy to transport and ready to use. You can also use a plastic container or tackle box to contain your first aid supplies. Make sure to keep your first aid kit in a safe location in your home so that it will be ready and accessible when needed. A first aid kit is also a must if you are traveling. Accidents happen no matter where you are so you should have a first aid kit in your vehicle in case of emergencies.
First Aid Kit Basics
You should stock your first aid kit with the following supplies:
- First aid manual - A first aid kit manual should include instructions on how and when to use certain supplies. It should also include expiration dates of medications and supplies. Keep a list of emergency contact numbers including poison control and your family doctor.
- Sterile gauze dressings - You will want to have gauze available in a variety of different sizes.
- Bandages - You should have a wide variety of bandages in different sizes and shapes.
- Safety pins - Safety pins can be used to keep dressings and bandages in place securely and easily.
- Tweezers - Tweezers should be sterilized before use. They can be used to remove slivers, shards of glass and other debris from cuts and scrapes.
- Cleansing wipes - Cleansing wipes are very important because they can remove harmful bacteria from wounds.
- Thermometer
- Scissors
- Aloe
- Infection preventing cream
- Pain relievers
- Eye drops
- Distilled water
- Splint
- Soap
- Kinesiology tape
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Antibiotic ointments
- Cold packs
- Antibiotics
- Medihoney - Medihoney is a natural product that can help to treat wounds by removing debris and bacteria. It also helps to keep a moist environment.
- Non-latex gloves
- CPR mouthpiece
- Natural Antibiotics - There are certain natural antibiotics that you may have in your home and not even know it. These natural antibiotics can also help you in case you become ill or injured at home. A few of the most common natural antibiotics that you may find in your home include honey, garlic extract, myrrh extract, thyme essential oil, and oregano essential oil. You can find out how to effectively use these natural antibiotics online.
Common First Aid Kit Uses
First aid kits are very helpful to have on hand because you can provide immediate initial care to someone who is injured or sick. A few of the most common reasons you should have first aid supplies include:
Wound
A wound refers to an injury that may be caused by a cut, impact or scrape. Wound include abrasions, lacerations, avulsions, and punctures. Wounds can be mild or serious, depending on the size and depth of the injury. It is very important to tend to a wound promptly and properly to prevent the risk of infection.
Wound Care
If you have a minor wound you should be able to care for it at home. It is very important to clean a wound to remove all dirt and debris. You will also want to apply direct pressure to the wound to help control bleeding and reduce swelling. Once the wound has been cleaned you will want to use a sterile dressing or bandage (depending on the size of the wound). You will want to make sure that your wound is healing and will want to change the dressings daily. You will want to see the doctor if your wound is deep, the bleeding does not stop, or your wound is slow to heal.
Infected Finger
An infected finger is a common injury. Infections can be mild or serious, but it is always important to make sure that you treat it promptly. Finger infections can occur for a wide variety of reasons including cuts, animal bites and puncture wounds. It is important to effectively clean cuts and wounds to prevent bacteria from causing an infection. Having first aid supplies on hand can allow you to treat finger infections easily and quickly, preventing infections from getting worse. Antibiotic creams and wound dressings can help to effectively treat wounds and infections. If your finger infection persists, you should see your doctor for further treatment.
You should review the contents of your first aid kit on an annual basis to ensure that it does not need to be restocked, and that expired supplies are replaced. A first aid kit is extremely helpful in the case of a health issue or accident.