ESSENTIAL FIRST AID KIT YOU MUST HAVE AT HOME
The importance of having a first aid kit at home is usually underemphasized. Accidents are inevitable in our homes. Domestic accidents such as falls, scrapes, cuts, bruises, burns, choking, sprains and the likes can be given immediate attention with a proper first aid kit at home. In fact, do you know that, according to a recent statistics by St. Johns Ambulance, 140,000 people die each year in the UK from incidents where first aid could have possibly save their lives?
Now, what is first aid? First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to a person with either a minor or serious injury/illness, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening or promote recovery. First aid includes various types such as bleeding, choking, burns, broken bones and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
A first aid kit, therefore, is a box, bag or pack that holds supplies used to treat or care for minor accidents. It also includes survival supplies and life-saving supplies. A first aid kit is also referred to as a collection of supplies and equipment used to give immediate medical care, primarily to treat injuries and other mild medical conditions.
One fun fact about a home-first aid kit is that you can purchase a fully prepared box or personally create one yourself. Either ways, there are some essentials items you must have in your first aid box at home and here they are;
- Pack of sterile gloves:
Gloves are used as protection; as a barrier between the victim and the first aider to prevent transmission of microorganisms.
- Antiseptic agents and Ointment:
Antiseptic agents, for example, hydrogen peroxide can help to clean and also disinfect a cut or injury. Using ointment can also aid against infections, fasten healing and lessen the degree of scars.
- Plasters, Gauze and Bandages:
These are very important items for arresting bleeding and securing a wound. Bandages can also be used to immobilize a wounded body part. Adhesives and bandages of all sizes are advised.
- Prescription and Pain relief medications:
Prescription medication such as inhalers for asthma, EpiPen or other allergy medication for allergies, heart medications must always be in a first aid kit at home in case of any emergency. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), Ibuprofen, Aspirin can also help soothe aches. They must be used as directed. Expiration dates should be reviewed as often as possible.
- Special Instruments:
Instruments such as scissors, tweezers as well a working thermometer (preferably digital) for temperature and sphygmomanometer for blood pressure. Scissors can be used to cut tapes, bandages or clothing if necessary and tweezers can be used to pick at a particular dirt or debris.
- Cold and Heat Packs:
Cold and heat packs come in handy in cases of burns, falls, sprains and strains. They provide instant relief for pains and aches.
- Flashlights:
When power goes off or there is an emergency at night. A flashlight would immediately save the day!
- Emergency phone numbers and first aid manual
There is nothing wrong having a list of emergency contacts in your first aid kit in fact, it is essential to have one. This list may include contacts of physicians, nurses or even family members. A first aid manual should also be in your first aid kit in case someone is trying to use it for the first time. It will serve as a guide.
In conclusion, a first aid kit can be a life saver and can come in handy at any time of our lives. Always keep your first aid kit up-to-date and include these essential materials. Even with the fastest ambulance or emergency contact, first aid treatment will always be helpful. It is also important to learn first aid skills to go along with the kit.
Well, if you don’t have one at home yet, you should get one!
References
– SafeWise (August 2022) 8 Essentials for Your DIY First Aid Kit, by Katherine Torres.
–American College of Emergency Physicians How Is Your Home Medical Kit Looking?
Available at http://www.emergencycareforyou.org/health–tips/doc–blog/how–is–your–homemedical–kit–looking–/
-Heathgrades (July 2021) 16 Things You Should Have In Your First Aid Kit, by Jill Moore. Medically reviewed by William c. Lloyd III MD, FACS.
-Centre for Disease Control (January 2022) Accidents or Unintentional Injuries