13 Things Every First Aid Kit Should Have
John Mclain
John Mclain
Everyone should have a home first aid kit ready to go in case
an emergency should arise. If you have small children, being
prepared with an up-to-date first aid kit becomes even more
important. Keeping a first aid kit within easy reach will
provide you with considerable peace of mind. Here's a handy
checklist of the items that your first aid kit should, at a
minimum, contain:
1. An Antiseptic (such as Bactine): Cleaning scrapes or wounds
is important for preventing infection. If soap and water are
not on hand, using an antiseptic will help flush out debris and
provide a mild pain relief. Antiseptics may come in cream or
spray form. Many, such as bactine, also provide pain relief.
2. Bandaids and gauze pads. Bandaids help treat injuries of all
sizes. Your best bet is to buy a large package that comes with a
variety of sizes.
For gauze pads, buying larger sizes works best, because you can
always cut them down to the size you need. Gauze pads work well
for more serious injuries.
3. Scissors. Speaking of cutting, scissors are often overlooked
in many first aid kits. Scissors come in handy not just for
cutting gauze pads, but for cutting clothing, adhesive tape,
and anything other materials or obstructions that may present
themselves in an emergency.
4. Ace Bandages. Ace bandages come in handy in a variety of
situations, such as sprains and breakages.
5. Instant Cold and Hot Pack. These packs are for one-time use
only, so it's a good idea to stock up your first aid kit with
them. They can be applied on sprains, bruises, and bumps to
reduce swelling.
6. Adhesive Tape
Adhesive tape can be used to form splits, tape gauze, and
secure any other bandages.
7. Tweezers. Like scissors, tweezers are often overlooked, but
come often come in handy. They can be used to remove stingers,
ingrown hairs, splinters, and hang nails.
8. Latex Gloves. Latex gloves are a helpful addition to any
first aid kit. Latex gloves will provide a clean and sanitary
way to protect you against bacteria, blood, bodily fluids, and
other potential contaminants that you may encounter in an
emergency situation.
9. Analgesic. An analgesic is a pain reliever. Include a small
bottle of aspirin or ibuprofen to combat headaches, migraines,
or pain due to injury.
10. Antibiotic Ointment. A small tube of antibiotic ointment
can go a long way. Antibiotic ointment can be used on scrapes,
cuts, wounds, and other injuries to prevent infection.
11. Rubbing alcohol and disinfectant. These are helpful for
cleaning insect sting bites or for cleaning wounds. Alcohol
wipes are particularly convenient to have in your first aid kit
because they don't take up much space.
12. Antihistamine. In the case that someone may suffer from
severe allergies, having some sort of antihistamine on hand is
a good idea.
13. A list of emergency phone numbers. Keep an index card with
the numbers of your doctor, the national poison center, and all
other emergency contacts. Also, it's a good idea to write down
the name of members of your family who have allergies, and any
medication they take on a regular basis.
About The Author: John Mclain is an expert author at
http://www.firstaidguru.com, a comprehensive resource on first
aid. Visit http://www.firstaidguru.com and learn about how you
can do your part to keep those around you safe from harm.
an emergency should arise. If you have small children, being
prepared with an up-to-date first aid kit becomes even more
important. Keeping a first aid kit within easy reach will
provide you with considerable peace of mind. Here's a handy
checklist of the items that your first aid kit should, at a
minimum, contain:
1. An Antiseptic (such as Bactine): Cleaning scrapes or wounds
is important for preventing infection. If soap and water are
not on hand, using an antiseptic will help flush out debris and
provide a mild pain relief. Antiseptics may come in cream or
spray form. Many, such as bactine, also provide pain relief.
2. Bandaids and gauze pads. Bandaids help treat injuries of all
sizes. Your best bet is to buy a large package that comes with a
variety of sizes.
For gauze pads, buying larger sizes works best, because you can
always cut them down to the size you need. Gauze pads work well
for more serious injuries.
3. Scissors. Speaking of cutting, scissors are often overlooked
in many first aid kits. Scissors come in handy not just for
cutting gauze pads, but for cutting clothing, adhesive tape,
and anything other materials or obstructions that may present
themselves in an emergency.
4. Ace Bandages. Ace bandages come in handy in a variety of
situations, such as sprains and breakages.
5. Instant Cold and Hot Pack. These packs are for one-time use
only, so it's a good idea to stock up your first aid kit with
them. They can be applied on sprains, bruises, and bumps to
reduce swelling.
6. Adhesive Tape
Adhesive tape can be used to form splits, tape gauze, and
secure any other bandages.
7. Tweezers. Like scissors, tweezers are often overlooked, but
come often come in handy. They can be used to remove stingers,
ingrown hairs, splinters, and hang nails.
8. Latex Gloves. Latex gloves are a helpful addition to any
first aid kit. Latex gloves will provide a clean and sanitary
way to protect you against bacteria, blood, bodily fluids, and
other potential contaminants that you may encounter in an
emergency situation.
9. Analgesic. An analgesic is a pain reliever. Include a small
bottle of aspirin or ibuprofen to combat headaches, migraines,
or pain due to injury.
10. Antibiotic Ointment. A small tube of antibiotic ointment
can go a long way. Antibiotic ointment can be used on scrapes,
cuts, wounds, and other injuries to prevent infection.
11. Rubbing alcohol and disinfectant. These are helpful for
cleaning insect sting bites or for cleaning wounds. Alcohol
wipes are particularly convenient to have in your first aid kit
because they don't take up much space.
12. Antihistamine. In the case that someone may suffer from
severe allergies, having some sort of antihistamine on hand is
a good idea.
13. A list of emergency phone numbers. Keep an index card with
the numbers of your doctor, the national poison center, and all
other emergency contacts. Also, it's a good idea to write down
the name of members of your family who have allergies, and any
medication they take on a regular basis.
About The Author: John Mclain is an expert author at
http://www.firstaidguru.com, a comprehensive resource on first
aid. Visit http://www.firstaidguru.com and learn about how you
can do your part to keep those around you safe from harm.
