Everything You Need to Know About First Aid Kits

A well-stocked up-to-date first aid kit is an essential in every home. Not only will it help you take care of minor injuries and accidents, but it'll also help you deal with emergencies at a moment's notice. Don't have a first aid box? Read on to find out everything you need to know about creating and keeping one. 

Which is better: store-bought or customized first aid kits? 

Customized first aid kits are definitely better than their prepackaged counterparts. Building your own first aid kit ensures that its contents are tailored to your and your family's needs. For example, let's say one of your children has allergies. In case of an unexpected allergy attack, a store-bought first aid kit won't be able to help you since it usually only contains injury-related medications. 

What's the best container to use for your first aid kit? 

The ideal container is simple, durable, light-weight, roomy, waterproof, and easy to carry. 

What should your first aid kit contain? 

Thinking of creating your own kit? Use this checklist. 

·         First aid Manual - If you don't know how to use things in your first aid box, then what's the use of keeping them? Read the handbook carefully. Add bookmarks and notations to help family members find the information they need during emergencies faster. 

·         Emergency Contact Sheet - It should contain all the local hotlines (e.g., hospital, fire station, etc.) and the contact numbers of all family members and close friends.

·         Sterile gauze pads (various sizes) 

·         Adhesive bandages (various sizes) 

·         Elastic bandages/wraps  

·         Triangular bandages  

·         Adhesive tape 

·         Antiseptic wipes/soap 

·         Antiseptic solutions (e.g., hydrogen peroxide)

·         Antibiotic ointments

·         Cotton balls

·         Cotton-tipped swabs

·         A Splint 

·         At least 2 plastic non-latex gloves 

·         Scissors

·         Tweezers

·         Safety pins

·         Thermometer

·         Calamine lotion 

·         Non-contact thermometer

·         Anti-itch lotion/cream

·         Eye drops 

·         Cold packs (instant and disposable) 

·         Face mask

·         Clean towels 

·         Bottled water (for drinking or rinse wounds)

·         Essential Medicines (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamine, stomach remedies, decongestant or cough medicines, etc.)  

·         Prescription Medications 

·         Flashlight (plus extra batteries) 

Where should you keep your first aid kit? 

In a cool and dry place that's beyond children's reach. It's advisable to one in your house and your car. If your home has multiple floors, keep a first aid kit in each level. If you're traveling, make sure to keep one in your luggage. 

What should you do after building your first aid kit? 

Make sure it's updated. Check the labels and expiration dates of solutions and medicines. Replace expired medicines. Add more first aid materials and medications whenever necessary. Review the first aid kit regularly. If you have children who are old enough to understand, follow, and remember instructions, review the first aid manual with them. 

Other things to remember when using your first aid kit:

• Read medicine labels every time you use them. Make sure you're aware of the proper dosage with relation to the patient's age and weight. 
• When restocking your medications, don't purchase or use medicines that look like they’ve been tampered with. Check the packaging. If it has tears, cuts, slices, and other imperfections, buy a different one. 
• If you're using a digital thermometer, make sure it's working. Check the batteries regularly. Do the same for the flashlight. 

Be ready for any emergency. Make sure your home has a first aid kit handy!