This may be something that some people don't want to talk about, but it is time we should: First Aid Kits. The very nature of this kit is that it is needed when you LEAST expect it. So instead of exclaiming, "I should've done this before!" Why not make sure it is there to begin with?
We spoke to Dr. Gellina Maala, a pediatrician and she gave us advice on the things that are needed in building a First Aid Kit.
Before anything, we need to establish that you should have more than ONE kit on hand. One should be in the house, or more than one, if you have both upstairs and downstairs areas, have one in each area so that they are easier to get to. If you or a family member uses the car a lot or is in there, it is advisable to also have one in the car.
Another tip that we don't think about when we are building the First Aid kit, is that you will need to change its contents regularly, especially if one item has run out, or medicine has expired. It would be much more dangerous taking medicine that is it's expiry date, especially during an emergency. And when you use up one of the items on the list, like bandaids, or gauze, make sure you replace it as soon as your able as you'll never know when you'll need it next.
So, Dr. Gellina Maala listed what the Red Cross has deemed the basic things to buy and include in your personal First Aid kits for you and your family.
- 2 absorbent compress dressing (5 x 9 inches)
- 25 adhesive bandages / bandaids (assorted sizes)
- 1 adhesive cloth tape ((10 years x 1 inch)
- 5 antibiotic ointment packets (each is around 1 gram)
- 5 antiseptic wipe packets
- 2 packets of aspirin (81mgs each, or something similar)
- 1 emergency blanket
- 1 breathing barrier
- 1 cold compress
- 2 non-latex gloves (opt for size large)
- 2 hydrocrotisone ointment
- 1 3in gauze roll / roller bandage
- 5 sterile gauze pads (4x4 inches)
- 1 oral thermometer or the like so long as it is not glass and with no mercury
- 2 triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- List of emergency numbers
These contents should be in ALL First Aid Kits you decide to make or buy. If you look in drugstores and some hardware stores, there are actually ready made ones already, but it is always a good idea to add on what you need that may not be on this list.
One of the things not to forget here are maintenance medicines, if you or someone in your household takes them. If your kid is asthmatic, or has severe allergic reactions, add on allergy medicines in the list as well. If you can, remember to always have water handy. That helps also when administering medicine or even washing of wounds.
Better to be prepared than caught unawares, right? We hope this helps you and your family be safe in times of emergencies!
