Did you know that there are over 35 million injury-related visits to emergency rooms in this country every year? Many accidents happen inside or near the home. And having the necessary supplies to deal with accidents can make a huge difference, so it’s important to have a first aid kit on hand.
Have you been thinking about putting together a first aid kit for your home? Yours is only as good as what it contains. Read on to discover the basic first aid kit supplies you need here.
Basic First Aid Kit Supplies
When making a first aid kit checklist of supplies, start with bandages of all sizes, band-aids, gauze, medical tape, absorbent compress-dressings, sterile pads, and cloth tape. Then include topical ointments like anti-bacterial, hydrocortisone, antiseptic, etc. Finish it off with items like latex gloves, tweezers, a thermometer, and aspirin.
Additional Items
You might want to tailor your kit to your location and include items that are relevant to your area. Bug repellent, sunscreen, and a heavy blanket are examples of things you might need in an emergency. A rain poncho, duct tape, a notepad and pencil for writing, and a flashlight work well in a first aid kit as well as a go-bag.
Make a Medical List
Another key thing to include with the items in a first aid kit is a list of emergency contacts, as well as your doctors. You might also want to keep medical consent forms in there for each family member, along with medical history records.
Customize It
Don’t be afraid to go beyond the basics when assembling a first aid kit. Customize it to match the needs of yourself and your family members. For example, you can add an epi-pen and allergy medicine for those who have allergies, and other prescriptions and necessities for additional medical conditions.
Replenish It Yearly
Every year you should do a check to make sure that your kit is still well-stocked. Replenish any items that have been depleted, and replace medicine that has expired.
Portable First Aid Kits
While it is great to have a large first aid kit for your home, it is equally important to have portable first aid kits on hand. These are useful for vehicles, sporting events, or outdoor adventures. You can find ones that are lightweight and easy to carry for long distances.
Be Ready for an Emergency
Now that you’ve learned the basic first aid kit supplies that you should have, you can build your own kit with confidence. Start with the basics, and then customize your first aid contents with prescriptions and other necessities that match your needs. Once you’ve completed that you might also want to create a portable first aid kit for your vehicle or for when you are on the go.
Did you find this article helpful? If you want to explore other useful topics, check out the health and lifestyle sections on this site.
