Accidents happen. Whether it’s a minor scrape or a more serious injury, having the best first aid kit at home could mean the difference between an easy fix and a trip to the emergency room.
But what exactly should you include in your first aid kit?
With so many supplies available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to build the best first aid kit for home use.
Read on as we’ll cover everything you need to ensure that you’re prepared for any situation that might come your way!
Get a List of Emergency Medications
Table of Contents
First on your list should be any prescription medications that you or your family members may need. Make sure to keep track of expiration dates and replace them as needed. It’s also a good idea to include over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Allergies can pose serious risks during emergencies. So make sure to have antihistamines like diphenhydramine on hand. If someone in your household has asthma, include their inhaler and nebulizer medication.
For digestive issues, consider including anti-diarrheal medication like loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate tablets for upset stomachs. Additionally, if anyone in your household has diabetes, make sure to include glucose tabs or gel.
Include Some Wound Care Supplies
Accidents and injuries can happen anytime, anywhere, and having a well-stocked first aid kit with proper wound care supplies will help you provide immediate assistance in case of an emergency. Make sure to include a variety of bandages in different sizes for minors:
- cuts
- scrapes
- burns
Adhesive bandages or sterile strips are perfect for covering small wounds. Gauze pads and rolls are great for larger wounds that require more coverage.
Keep some antiseptic wipes or solutions to clean the wound before applying any dressing. This helps prevent infection by killing bacteria around the affected area.
Add some medical tape or self-adherent wrap to secure the dressing on the wound as it heals. You don’t want your dressings falling off when you’re trying to heal a wound.
Invest In Some Emergency Equipment
Investing in some emergency equipment can greatly enhance the effectiveness and functionality of your first aid kit. Get a digital thermometer. This device is an essential tool for checking body temperature which is crucial when assessing fever or hypothermia.
Tweezers are necessary too. These small but mighty instruments are perfect for removing:
- splinters
- ticks
- other foreign objects
You never know when an accident will occur at night or in low-light conditions, so having a flashlight on hand is always useful. In case of cardiac arrest, a CPR mask can help protect both you and the victim by preventing the transfer of bodily fluids.
Having a CPR mask means you’ll have to be trained on how to do CPR the right way as well. If you want to be equipped, consider looking into MyCPR NOW.
Learn How to Build the Best First Aid Kit for Home Use
A well-stocked first aid kit can provide invaluable peace of mind and allow your household to cope with minor medical emergencies. Gather the supplies suggested in this article and assure yourself that you are prepared for whatever may come with the best first aid kit. Put it together today and be prepared for tomorrow.
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