A first-aid kit contains emergency supplies, equipments and medication to offer first aid in case of sudden minor illnesses or accidents. That is why it is essential to keep a well-stocked first-aid kit within easy reach, in every home or at work places and in car. But the choice of contents depends on who has assembled the kit and for which purpose; it may also vary by region.
Choose any type of a container, depending on the purpose, for your kits that are spacious, long-lasting, and easy to carry, and open. Plastic tackle boxes or containers for storing art supplies are best, since they\’re not heavy, have handles, and offer a lot of room. It is recommended to keep kits in a clean, waterproof container to keep the contents safe and aseptic. Kits should also be checked regularly and replaced if any items are damaged or old.
Standard contents of kit include adhesive bandages, regular strength pain medication, and gauze and low grade disinfectant. But specialized first aid kits are available for different regions, vehicles or activities, focusing on definite risks or concerns related to the activity.
Pain relievers
Aspirin (for eg. Aspro clear), paracetamol (eg Panadol, Calpol) or ibuprofen (eg Nurofen, Calprofen) can be bought over the counter. They come in various forms including soluble tablets, ordinary tablets, liquids or suppositories, and offer relief to most minor aches and pains, including headaches, muscle pain, toothache and period pain. Children may be given lower doses and products specific for children and they are must in your first-aid kit if you have children. Aspirin should not be given to children below 16 years of age, without doctor’s advice.
Fever
A first-aid kit should contain a thermometer to check body temperature. An oral digital thermometer is probably the most suitable choice. Digital thermometers used in the ear are more accurate but they are too expensive.
Fever can be relieved if treated with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Fever occurs due to viruses that cannot be treated with antibiotics. Even though people sometimes buy antibiotics without doctor’s prescription it should be strictly avoided. A general physician should be consulted first because only a doctor will be able to prescribe the right antibiotics or other medication.
Sore throats and coughs
These are common health problems, so it is logical enough to keep medicines in your first aid kit to cope with these, for instance sore throat lozenges and a cough mixture. Cough mixtures containing certain ingredients are no longer prescribed for children less than six years of age, so it is best to consult your pharmacist on an appropriate product to keep in your first-aid kit if you have children.
Diarrhea, constipation or indigestion
Be prepared for diarrhea. Medications are available at your local medical stores both on prescription and over the counter to treat diarrhea. Loperamide like Imodium is the suitable medicine to place in a first-aid kit, though it is not appropriate for young children.
In case of diarrhea or vomiting make sure that the patient gets adequate liquid. This is particularly important in case of children.
Cola drinks are particularly helpful. Besides replacing essential salt and sugar they provide a source of liquid. A first-aid kit should also contain a rehydration medicine- a powder or large tablet dissolved in clean water (for example Dioralyte) in order to prevent dehydration.
Many people experience constipation while traveling. A mild laxative, available from a pharmacy, usually cures most symptoms.
People suffering from indigestion or heartburn, on eating spicy food should keep a good antacid preparation in their first-aid kit.
Motion sickness
Medication to prevent motion sickness caused by car, air or sea travel can be bought over the counter without prescription. If necessary, this should be taken before starting a journey.
Sunburn
A sunblock should be applied before being exposed to the sun. It should always be included in a first-aid kit, along with cream and lotion to apply after sunbathing. You can ask the pharmacist about the appropriate screening (SPF-sun protection factor) level.
Insect bites
Antihistamines and soothing lotions namely calamines are effective in controlling the itching due to insect bites or stings.
It might be a good idea to include an insect repellant to you kit if you are going somewhere and you are aware of the possibilities of insect bites like midges or mosquitoes.
Cuts and grazes
The following items are all essential for treating minor cuts and grazes.
- Sterile saline or alcohol-free wipes to clean wounds.
- Cotton gauze or gauze swabs for cleaning/drying/covering wounds.
- Fabric or waterproof plasters.
- Sterile dressings that won\’t stick to weeping wounds, for instance Melolin
- Permeable adhesive tape (eg Micropore), for holding dressings in place
- Gauze bandages
- Crepe bandages for supporting sprains and strains or holding dressings in place
- Antiseptic cream or lotion
- Latex or non-latex gloves to reduce contamination risk
- Elastic (ACE) bandage for wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries
- Triangular bandage for wrapping injuries and making an arm sling
- Antiseptic solution or wipes, such as hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine, or chlorhexidine
- Antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin, polysporin, or mupirocin
- Sterile eyewash, such as contact lens saline solution
- Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy
- Hydrocortisone cream, ointment, or lotion for itching/p>
Other useful equipments to have in a first aid kit include:
- Disposable gloves
- Disposable gloves
- Tweezers – for removing foreign objects such as splinters or bee stings
- Scissors – for cutting tape or bandages.
- Safety pins for securing bandages and pinning slings
- Cotton buds – for cleaning small wounds or removing obvious foreign objects
- Sterile saline for washing eyes
- Sterile eye pads – as a temporary dressing and cover for injured eyes
- Cling film to apply over serious burns to keep air out. This helps relieve pain and prevents infection. As it won\’t stick to the burn, it can also be easily removed later by medical staff treating the burn.
- Thermometer
- Blue \”baby bulb\” or \”turkey baster\” suction device
- Disposable, instant ice bags
- First-aid manual
- Hand sanitizer
- Latex or non-latex gloves to reduce contamination risk
- Save-A-Tooth storage device in case a tooth is broken or knocked out;
- contains a travel case and salt solution
- Sterile cotton balls
- Sterile cotton-tipped swabs
- Syringe, medicine cup, or medicine spoon for giving specific doses of medicine
- Soap
Things to follow:
Go through the complete first-aid manual carefully to know better how to make use of the contents of your kits. If your children are mature enough to understand, review the manuals with them as well.
Store first-aid kits out of the reach of your children but keep it in such a place so that adults can access it easily.
Check the kits regularly to replace missing equipments or medicines that may have expired.