It is highly important that every household has some sort of first aid kit to hand. Whether you build your own or find it easier to buy a prepackaged one it’s a necessity that all homes should have for that ‘ just in case’ moments. Nobody likes to think about getting hurt or ever needing to use a kit but not having one could lead to problems. If you’re unsure about what you should have in your kits at home then have look at some of the top items you should have in your first aid kit.
Bandages, Pads, and Supports
Most people will probably picture bandages when they think of a first aid kit, they’re some of the most commonly seen and used items from them and then come in an array of sizes and options. They all do slightly different jobs such as have a bandage that is specifically used to hold down pads to stop bleeding, supports that can be used a sling to take the weight off of an injured shoulder or arm or pads that can be used to clear up any messy areas and help to remove dirt from cuts. Although it may seem like there is an abundance of them available in a medical kit it’s always wise to keep an eye on the levels of stock as once they are used they cannot be used again and thus need replacing.
Icepacks, Cooing Sprays, and Heat Creams
Different injuries call for different measures when it comes to these sorts of items however they are all as equally useful and important. Having compression pads (ice packs) readily available is ideal for being able to reduce swelling, bruising and also cool any burns. Cooling sprays can be used for similar things but can also be brilliant for help with pain when things such as sprains occur and heat creams are extremely useful for if people are suffering from symptoms such as backache. Although they are all only used for minor things they are a really handy part of any first aid kit.
Ears, Nose, and Eyes
It’s really important for us to take care of our ears, nose, and eyes and monitor their health so by having items to help in our kits at home we are already one step ahead. There are all sorts of medical things that can affect these three important areas such as tinnitus of the ears, blocked sinuses in the nose and dry, irritated eyes all of which can be looked after at home. By having tools such as olive oil, use of the Miracle-Ear GENIUScontrol app, nasal sprays, and eye drop readily available you are able to help with all these symptoms. If you have persistent problems with any of these it’s always important to be seen by a medical professional.
Medications
With having any medication in a first aid kit it’s important to make sure that the kit is safely secured away to ensure that no little hands can get hold of them. Having items such as paracetamol, children’s medicines, hayfever relief, and antacids can be extremely useful. You probably find that these items are the most used items and that they need replacing fairly often. If your an avid bargain hunter you may be able to get these in bulk buys and only add what you need to your kit. Having something as simple as a hayfever tablet to hand can do wonders especially if you’re out and about in the middle of a walk and hayfever decides to strike. As not one person is likely to have the same combination of personal medication it’s advised to you keep these separate from your standard first aid kit. You will probably need access to them more regularly anyway.
Little Bits
Small items such as tweezers and scissors often go forgotten in a homemade kit and you made find the prepackaged ones don’t include them at all. Although they. May seem like small items and nonessential having these in your kit could come in handy. Tweezers, for example, can be used for picking out and removing debris from cuts and wounds and can also be used for removing those nasty splinters. And, scissors are very useful for cutting plasters and bandages down to the correct size so including these small items should be something everyone is doing. Other little bits that could prove useful are items such as disposable gloves, antiseptic creams, and a thermometer.
Band-aids and Patches
It goes without saying that every first aid kit should have an array of band-aids available to use. Whether you are planning on adding a roll of generic plaster that you are able to cut to size or add in a collection of varied sized plasters that are ready to use, it is essential to include them as part of your pack. You may want to include some larger patches in different shapes that you can stick with medical tape too as these come in handy for the larger cuts and scrapes. If you have fussy little ones why not try adding some character plasters into your kit to encourage them not to be scared.
Bug Sprays and Sunscreen
Probably not items that you would find in everyone first aid kit however if you’re out and about then they both could become very useful. How many times have you been caught out by it been sunnier than you thought or you start to get eaten alive by little bugs when enjoying a picnic? Packing things such as sunscreen and bug spray can be a real lifesaver to include in your travel first aid kit. Bug bites can become infected, raised and irritated very quickly so by having a bug spray in your kit you’ll definitely be prepared for it happening. Other things you could think about adding to your kit are items such as bug repellent bands or an emergency bug candle for any picnics you may have.
