First aid kits are important to have around the house, whether you have kids or pets, or if you live in an area where there’s high risk of natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornadoes. The contents of your first aid kit will vary depending on your needs and your location.
First aid kits are available in many sizes and can be purchased at any drug store or online retailer. But what do you actually need in your first aid kit? The contents and uses of a first aid kit depend on the type of emergency you’re preparing for and where you’ll be keeping it, but this guide will give you an idea of what you should have on hand at all times.
1. Prescription Drugs Must be in a First Aid kit
It’s important to have at least one pain reliever and one antibacterial agent on hand, but if you can include more from that list, you should. Remember: It’s also a good idea to find out what exactly is in your first aid kit; for example, some may contain products with acetaminophen or ibuprofen that aren’t recommended for children (or adults with certain medical conditions). You don’t want to accidentally give anyone else medicine that could cause harm.
Be sure to consult your doctor before trying to self-medicate. (And if you do take OTC drugs, don’t exceed their recommended dosage.) Other times, prescription medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen will be necessary. Your first aid kit should also contain bandages and antiseptic wipes for cleaning cuts and scrapes.
2. Bandages and Tape
Injuries and accidents are common, especially among athletes. While there’s no surefire way to prevent them from happening, it’s important to be prepared if and when they do. If you or your family members take part in sports or any other physical activity, then you should definitely have a first aid kit handy.
One of its most important components is bandages because they can be used for many different kinds of injuries and wounds. If you’re going to be dealing with cuts, scrapes or other minor wounds, you need something to keep them closed and protected from dirt. Just make sure that your tape doesn’t do anything bad if it gets wet—most office-supply stores carry waterproof tape that won’t cause more harm than good when exposed to liquids.
3. Antiseptics, Wound Cleaners, And Hydrogels
To start, most kits will include some type of antiseptic and wound cleaner. Most experts recommend using these as part of your daily hygiene routine as well as to clean minor cuts and scrapes, especially if you have children or pets at home. For example, alcohol-based cleaners work great against bacteria and germs that cause infections. Hydrogels are sticky wound pads that speed up healing by creating a protective layer over wounds while they heal underneath.
Antiseptics and wound cleaners help remove dirt and bacteria from a first aid injury. Cleaning is an important part of first aid, because if bacteria isn’t removed it can lead to infection. Hydrogels are typically found in burn kits, which are used on bad burns that could leave scarring or have other lasting side effects if they’re not treated immediately.
4. Sterile Gauze And Dressing Materials
You’ll want to keep a good supply of dressings and other bandages, as these are essential for preventing infection. Some basic items that should be included in your first aid kit include adhesive strips, gauze pads, non-stick pads and rolls (for wounds), plastic tweezers, butterfly bandages (for small cuts), and sterile gloves, and rolls of tape.
Gauze is highly absorbent, making it perfect for absorbing blood and other bodily fluids. It’s also important for preventing infection by keeping exposed wounds clean. Make sure you have enough of these handy if you’re taking care of another person or group. Gauze sponges can be used as a backup if your first-aid kit isn’t stocked with sterile gauze dressing materials, or when you don’t need something as thick as gauze.
5. Splints And Slings are important in a first aid kit
In some cases, you can use items in your first aid kit to fashion a splint or sling. Splints are usually made of long, flat pieces of wood, metal or plastic that are wrapped around an injured limb to stabilize it and help reduce pain and swelling. A sling is another way to immobilize an arm or shoulder that doesn’t work properly.
To reduce or eliminate pain and swelling, use a splint to support an injured area. For example, break or sprain your wrist? Apply pressure by creating a splint with two strips of stiff material like cardboard or poster board—one should be wrapped around each side of your wrist. Don’t have anything at hand that can work as splints for broken bones?
6. Soap, Towelettes, Shampoo, And Other Hygiene Items
When you get injured, there’s nothing worse than feeling unclean. It’s okay to use soap and shampoo regularly, but make sure they’re alcohol-free so they don’t sting your cuts and scrapes. The same goes for lotion; it will feel great on an open wound but likely further irritate your injury. As an alternative, bring some towelettes that are alcohol-free to keep yourself clean without creating more discomfort.
We’ve all seen first aid kits that are incredibly large, which is useful if you work in an emergency room. However, for most of us, these items are useless. A small container of antibacterial soap and some hand sanitizer will suffice. As for towels or other accessories like combs and brushes, bring your own! While you’re at it—shaving razors don’t belong in a first aid kit unless they were purchased specifically to be used as part of one.
7. Syringes And Other Medical Supplies
You can find syringes at any pharmacy or medical supply store, but don’t go crazy and buy them by the dozen. You really only need one or two for basic first aid. Syringes are great for injecting salves, medications, and other non-liquid substances into wounds. If you opt to use syringes for first aid purposes, make sure you get some without needle tips on them—those will be too small for your needs!
Syringes and medical supplies are often provided free of charge by clinics. If you’re living on less than $10,000 per year, it may be difficult to afford these supplies yourself. This is why most first aid kits include hypodermic needles and syringes. Depending on your local laws, you may need to be licensed to handle syringes; however, they can usually be obtained from your doctor or local clinic at no cost.
8. Miscellaneous First Aid kit Supplies
Just because you might not ever need it doesn’t mean that you should be unprepared. Having minor first aid supplies on hand will help to keep things running smoothly when something goes wrong.
In addition to your standard first aid kit items, you may want to consider keeping around some of these other supplies. They can be more difficult to find if there is an emergency and you have no one else around to help you, so try to keep them on hand just in case. If you do end up using them, give yourself a pat on the back for getting through an uncomfortable situation and helping another person at their time of need.
Such Items include cotton tip applicators, first aid literature, first aid sign, safety pins, and thermometers.
9. Over-the-Counter Medications
Just because you’re not headed to a hospital doesn’t mean you can’t still have access to basic first aid items. Over-the-counter meds such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin are popular items that should be included but don’t forget bandages and other important components.
If you’re taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications, try to keep them on hand. They can be invaluable if you or someone else suffers from a minor ache or pain. Consider also keeping some of these common drugs and supplies in your first aid kit.
Be sure to include instructions on how to use your first aid kit.
