What’s in Your First Aid Kit?
Having a well-stocked first aid kit is critical to address medical emergencies. Whether you are at work or at home, you should ensure that you have all the essential medical tools in your first aid kit. Similarly, do not forget to keep a small first-aid kit in your car as well to respond to injuries while travelling. Here is what you need to assemble a handy first aid kit:
Band-aids and bandages
First off, keep band-aids of various sizes for dressing wounds and small cuts. In addition, your first-aid kit should also contain elastic bandages for wrapping a sprained joint or a broken arm.
Gauze and adhesive tape
You need gauze pads to control bleeding from cuts and scrapes. At the same time, you will need adhesive tape to keep the gauze in place. Gauze serves as a bandage to cover bigger cuts, while an adhesive bandage can protect the minor scrapes.
Pain reliever
No first aid kit would be complete without a pain reliever, such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen or acetaminophen .Be sure to read the dosing instructions when giving pain medicines to children since the correct dose is based on their weight.
Antibiotic cream
Always keep an antibiotic cream to help protect minor wounds from infection. An antibiotic ointment can also keep the wounded area moist.
Allergy medications
If you have mild allergies, keep antihistamines in your first aid box. On the other hand, those suffering from grave allergies should carry injectable epinephrine.
Hand sanitizer and gloves
Hand sanitizers and gloves can be useful for treating wounds. Alcohol-based gels can sanitize hands and thus mitigate the risk of infection. Make sure to sanitize your hands before slipping on a pair of disposable gloves. Once you put on gloves, you can treat a wound and remember to sanitize your hands again after treating the wound.
Tweezers and scissors
Tweezers and scissors are pivotal components of any first aid kit, especially if you are outdoors and are susceptible to cuts. A pair of small scissors always comes in handy when you need to cut a tape, whereas you can remove a splinter with a pair of tweezers. Most importantly, disinfect the tweezers before using them.
Calamine lotion
Calamine lotion helps to sooth rashes, itching or sunburns, and therefore, recommended for inclusion in the first aid kit.
Thermometer
Always keep a functioning thermometer in your first aid kit to check fever. It is advisable to keep a digital thermometer. After gathering all these essential items in your first aid kit, keep it in a cool, safe place. If it is accessible to children, teach them its purpose and significance. Need more information on first aid medical tools? Victoria ER a professional emergency care center in Victoria, Texas that prides itself in offering our patients with high-level, quality emergency care services. Discover more about us here.
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