The choice of first aid kits available on the market today is vast but there are a few basic requirements for a first aid kit and many of these can be found at home already.
To create your own first aid kit, all you need to do is think about where you will be keeping the kit (in the house, in the car, in your suitcase) and think about what kinds of risks you may encounter in each situation and what type of treatment may be necessary.
The first step is to find a waterproof container such as a clean ice cream carton, plastic sweet container or plastic cantilever tool box. The kit needs to be lightweight and portable. Remember, this kit should contain a collection of items which would be immediately useful in the event of an accident or emergency.
For the home
If there are children in the home, you would be best advised to find a lockable storage box to keep the kit in. Keep all medicine separately in a lockable cabinet. Consider the types of risks in the home and garden, including burns, falls, cuts and bruises. Statistically, the best place to keep your first aid kit is in your kitchen, considering the potential for accidents in this area.
o 1 x pair of small scissors
o A few safety pins
o Box of assorted plasters (plastic or fabric)
o A roll of sticky medical tape
o Tweezers
o An eye bath or sterile eye wash capsules
o Gauze pads
o Cling film (to use as a burns dressing)
o Clean cotton handkerchiefs
o Non-alcohol wipes
In the car
For this situation, you are considering the risk of incidents and accidents involving yourself, your passengers or possibly even other car users.
o A selection of the above
o Medical gloves
o Medicated hand wipes
o A bottle of water
o A blanket
o A torch
In your suitcase
You can keep your travel kit packed in your suitcase, ready for your next trip. If you are travelling by air, remember not to take your kit in hand luggage. Due to security measures at most airports, it will not be allowed on board.
o Assorted plasters
o Scissors
o Safety pins
o Tweezers
o Bite and sting relief
o Anti-insect spray
o Antihistamines
o Aspirin
o Immodium tablets
o Antiseptic wipes
o Cold sore cream
o Clove oil (for toothache)
Don't forget to keep some basic first aid instructions in your kit - a simple guide to administering CPR, dealing with choking, stroke and heart attack for example.
Remember to keep your first aid kit topped up and check the expiration dates on medicine and bandages (yes they do have a useful shelf life).
Your first aid kits needn't cost the earth and just a few essentials may make all the difference in an emergency situation.
Gill Higson writes articles on first aid in the home. Whether you are looking for wipes, plasters or burns dressings.
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