What To Include In A Home First Aid Kit

Along with a home emergency kit, a first aid kit is a must have in every home to help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies. With some basic first aid knowledge and supplies in your home first aid kit, you can tend to minor injuries and help reduce the risk of infection or the severity of more serious injuries.  First aid kits typically include a variety of supplies that will help treat cuts, scrapes and injuries, including sprains and burns. 

Bandages
Every kit should contain an array of bandages that can be used to stop persistent bleeding by keeping a wound sealed. These types of bandages are ideal for deeper cut that might be bleeding profusely. They will help keep control bleeding while keeping out dirt and germs. These can be used as a makeshift butterfly closure to secure deep cuts or directly over minor wounds to prevent infection.

Ointment
An antibiotic ointment and cream for burn relief are essential to any home first aid kit. The ointment can be used  to treat chapped skin, scrapes, and cuts, as well as blisters. The most common ointments are antibiotics or antiseptics which help prevent infection on open wounds by killing bacteria or germs that cause infections. Burn ointment can be used to provide relief and soothe burns. You could also include a topical analgesic for minor pain relief.

Bandaids
Bandaids are another essential item you should have in a home first aid kit. Adhesive bandaids can be used on minor cuts and scrapes. These can be paired with antibiotic ointment to protect a wound from infection. Stock your kit with durable bandaids. And make sure your bandaids are not expired as they can deteriorate over time and lose their sterility and adhesiveness.

Self Adhesive Bandages
When dealing with a minor cut or scrape, an elastic wrap like Coban self-adherent bandage helps to hold the gauze in place. It sticks only to itself, not your skin or hair so it's easy to apply as well as remove. You can also use this type of bandage to hold ice packs on sprains and strains in place .

Blister Pads
Blister pads are round, adhesive cushions that protect blisters and help them heal. They can be used on both feet or hands to provide padding around the blister, reduce friction, absorb fluid buildup and allow air circulation so it does not get infected. The pad also protects the area from more trauma during regular activity so no further damage is incurred. They are usually made of cotton but can also be found in synthetic materials like plastic or aluminum.

Cotton Balls and Cotton Swabs
Cotton balls and cotton swabs can be used for a variety of purposes including cleaning cuts and scrapes or applying topical medications like creams and ointments to minor injuries.They can also be used to pick out debris if necessary.

Wound Cleanser
A wound that has become infected can be dangerous so a wound cleanser is an essential that must be included in your kit. It is imperative to properly clean a wound before treating it to reduce the risk of infection and encourage the healing process. Disinfecting a wound should be carefully done in both minor and especially in more serious cases where a person may require professional medical attention.

Non-Prescription Pain Reliever

An over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and a non-aspirin pain reliever for kids can come in handy if someone gets injured or doesn't feel well. These types of medications can be used to relieve pain caused by headaches, lower fevers, and more.

Thermometer

A thermometer is an essential medical device that should be included so that you can monitor your temperature as needed. Temperature is one of the body's vital signs and any significant changes can be an indication of illness or signal that you might require immediate medical attention.

Ice Pack/Cold Compress

An ice pack or cold compress is the perfect solution to reduce swelling and numb the pain of an injury or a sprain. These can also be used to relieve headaches and other bodily pains. 

A home first aid kit stocked these items is an essential part of any household's emergency preparedness plan. Store your kit  and along with your emergency supplies somewhere easily accessible and out of the reach of young children. Make sure children old enough to understand the purpose of the kits know where they're stored.

This is a contributed post.

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