Quick action can spell the difference between life and death in times of emergency, so it is important to be prepared for such situations. A well-stocked first aid kit can help prevent injuries at home from getting worse. Just make sure everyone in the household knows where to access it.
So what items should be in your first aid kit?
1. Thermometer: A change in temperature may indicate illness, so ensure you have a thermometer to measure body temperature.
2. Wound care and dressings: Even the tiniest cut could lead to excess bleeding or infection. Have sterile cotton, antiseptic solutions, and antibiotic ointment to clean wounds. Make sure you also have gauze pads, triangular bandage, cloth and elastic bandage, and adhesive cloth tape if you need to wrap wounds or sprained joints.
4. Personal protective equipment: These items—surgical mask, N95 mask, face shield—are designed to protect one from injury, spread of infection, or inhalation of substances. A hand sanitizer is a must-have as well.
5. Scissors and tweezers: You’ll never know when you’ll be needing these to cut a bandage or remove foreign material, so it’s safe to have them in your kit.
6. Flashlight and batteries: After a natural disaster, power might be out for hours so it’s good to have a source of light during this time.
7. Medicines: It’s important to keep certain medicines handy. Some of them include personal medications that don’t need refrigeration, antihistamine, antacids, anti-diarrhea, pain relievers, common cold and cough medications, and skin creams for rashes and eczema.
8. Emergency phone numbers: It also helps to have a list of the contact numbers of nearby hospitals, emergency services and agencies, your doctor/s, and family members.
This article does not provide medical advice, it is intended for informational purposes only. The article is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
***
