Do you need a first aid kit?
With children frequently moving around, many unpredictable dangers in the house, and the possibility of children and adults being exposed to harm or injury at any moment, a first aid kit is considered one of the essential basics for protecting all family members. This article will review the importance of having a first aid kit and its most important contents.
Why do you need a first aid kit?
- For cleaning and dressing minor wounds.
- To treat minor burns.
- To deal with joint sprains.
- Extract splinters that get under the skin.
Where do I put my first aid kit?
It is essential that the first aid kit is in a place known to all family members and that it is easy for your children to access. If you have a domestic worker working in your home or a nanny taking care of your children, it is essential that they also know where the home first aid kit is located. Having a kit on each floor is preferable if you live in a house with several floors. You should have an additional first aid kit to put in your car so it is on hand if you need it outside the home.
Contents of the first aid kit
1| Gauze
Sterile gauze is used to apply pressure to minor, open wounds to help stop bleeding. A larger piece of sterile gauze may also apply pressure to medium—to large-sized bleeding wounds.
Sterile gauze can also be applied to minor burns (after cooling the burn under lukewarm, not cold, water).
2| Tape
This tape is used to hold gauze bandages in place.
3| Scissors
Used to cut gauze, tape, and clothing to expose minor cuts or burns.
4| Antiseptic solution
It may be a spray or liquid; ensure it is suitable for open wounds.
5| Antibiotic ointment
Applying an antibiotic ointment before wrapping the minor wound until it is treated appropriately in the hospital is preferable.
6| Bandages
It is essential to bandage the wound after cleaning it, so any home first aid kit should contain sterile, adhesive wound dressings.
7| Cooling packs
You may not keep these packages in the kit but in the freezer, and you can take them out when you need them to relieve the pain resulting from a sprain or bruised muscle.
8| Elastic bandages
Which is used to wrap ankle or wrist sprains.
9| Splints
They are used to stabilize fractures until you get to the hospital. It is important to note that the person who uses it must have first aid training.
10| Latex-free gloves
It is for use when dealing with wounds and burns and preventing infections.
11| Hand sanitizer
After providing first aid, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, you can use hand sanitizer.
12| Tweezers
To remove splinters from under the skin.
Additional Supplies
- Medications: The first aid kit should contain common drugs such as paracetamol, antihistamines, and ibuprofen.
- Thermometer: A thermometer is another essential item in your first aid kit.
- Insect repellent spray: to prevent itchy mosquito bites. It also helps protect against diseases carried by insects.
- Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream 1%: The lotion helps sterilize the site of insect bites or skin that has been irritated due to exposure to poison ivy. You can also use 1% hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching caused by mosquito bites, poison ivy, or poison oak.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel can help relieve mild, painful sunburns.
- Eyewash: Eyewash helps relieve eye irritation, including itching, stinging, and discomfort, by eliminating irritants such as chlorine, pollen, smoke, etc.
