What Should The Home First Aid Kit Contain?
You don’t have to wait for an emergency to start preparing your first aid kit at home. From a simple headache to a scratch, an upset stomach or a cut, first aid kits provide peace of mind, even if they are never used.
The home first aid kit can serve as an example for the car kit and for holidays. The important thing is to check periodically that medicines and ointments are not expired.
First aid kits can be purchased ready-made or can be prepared as you wish. If you want to build your own kit, see the tips below.
Start Assembling Your Home First Aid Kit
Before moving on to the contents, it’s good to think about the container first. The most practical and safest way are usually the suitcase-style containers, with side handles, easy to open and store. As for the material, a transparent rigid plastic is the most suitable option.
The home first aid kit should be sturdy, easy to store and transport. Another useful tip is for the interior to be separated by smaller compartments. There are some plastic boxes used to store art supplies that are ideal for using as a first aid box.
Either way, whether it’s a multi-compartment box or a purse, the priority is to have an emergency kit at home to care for and help your family and yourself when needed. Whatever the type, it is recommended that the container have a label so that anyone knows what it is.
What to include in the home first aid kit?
While it depends a lot on each family, there are a few more common elements for any first aid kit:
- antiseptic soap
- Band-aid of various sizes
- Adhesive bandages of various sizes and sterile gauze
- adhesives
- Disinfectant wipes
- Hydrogen peroxide (or any similar wound disinfectant)
- antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone ointment (1%)
- Scissors to cut bandages, bandages, gauze, etc.
- Clamp
- Splints for small dislocations
- elastic bandage
- cold compresses
- Thermometer
- Alcohol for medical use
- Calamine lotion
- Common medications (antiallergics, saline solution, etc.)
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen
- Disposable surgical gloves (two or three pairs)
- CPR mask (especially if elderly people are at home)
- Flashlight
- Updated First Aid Manual
- List with emergency telephone numbers
Importance of Home First Aid Kit
Taking into account abilities and ages, everyone in the household should know where the first aid kit is kept. So if your child has a babysitter, it’s also important that they know where the first aid kit is.
In order to avoid mistakes, it is essential to always keep it in the same place. Also, for the safety of the children, it should be stored in a high place and preferably in a locked place.
To keep maintenance up to date, your home first aid kit should have a list of what it contains and its expiration dates. Some ointments can be used even after the expiration date, although they may lose their effect.
Also, once gauze or bandages are used, you need to replace them later. Proper maintenance is essential so that nothing is missing when you need it most.
Travel First Aid Kit
In addition to the home kit, it is recommended to have a transportable kit that can be used for the car and travel. In the case of travel, the first aid kit must be adapted to the needs of the destination.
For example, during the summer, sunscreen is indispensable, as are insect repellents. Likewise, ointments for burns and insect bites cannot be lacking.
Finally, when traveling, it is recommended to add rehydration solutions and emergency medications. Think through all the details to prepare yourself in the best way.
It should also be remembered that in addition to the items mentioned in the list, any medication for regular consumption should be included.
In conclusion, the home first aid kit has the function of ensuring the family’s peace of mind in emergency situations of any kind. From minor burns to serious injuries, toothaches to allergic reactions.
The task of assembling a kit does not require a lot of work, as it is possible to do this in a single visit to the pharmacy.
