Your First Aid Kits and Supplies Resource
How to Stock Your First Aid Kit
The Importance of a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit
Only a few people realize the importance of properly stocking your first aid kit. This ensures that you have quick access to medications and supplies needed to treat medical conditions. If your first aid kit is unable to do that, then it defeats the purpose of having one.
You need a kit that is large enough, durable and easy to open. This will enable your kit to contain the first aid supplies you will need in emergency situations. You may also want a kit with handles to make it easy for you to carry around during travels or family vacations.
Once you have gathered all the essential supplies for your first aid kit, carefully read the first aid manual. This will help you understand how you can use every item inside the kit. You may want to try to assemble your first aid kit on your own instead of buying them off your local drugstore for a more personalized approach at health care and treatment.
Basic First Aid Supplies
Basic first aid supplies refers to the items included in your first aid kit for general usage. For instance, either you or someone else is wounded, you will be able to access materials in your kit that can sanitize and protect a wound to avoid infection. These materials are also versatile and can be used for a variety of emergencies.
- antibiotic ointment
- bandages or elastic wrap
- triangular bandage
- instant cold packs
- gauze pads or roller gauze
- cotton balls
- adhesive tape
- plastic bags
- eye goggles
- safety pins
- tweezers
- needles
- scissors
- thermometer
- antiseptic solution
- petroleum jelly
- disposable gloves, either latex or synthetic
- soap or hand sanitizer
- first aid manual
First Aid Kit Medications
For people with chronic illnesses or a given medical condition, medications are important to have in your first aid kit. Even for those without existing medical conditions, carrying generic medications is advised to provide relief if such a situation should occur.
- oral antihistamine
- anti-diarrhea medication
- hydrocortisone cream
- aspirin
- other pain relievers
- calamine lotion
- drugs for allergic attack (must be prescribed by your doctor)
- activated charcoal (for accidental poisoning, but must be used with proper instructions from the poison center)
- medicine cup
- syringe
- spoon
Items for Emergency Purposes
These items are essential when the patient requires emergency medical assistance beyond first aid. Hence, make sure to stock the following items in your first aid kit:
- cell phone and recharging device
- list of emergency phone numbers (ex: family doctor, local emergency services, regional poison control center, emergency road service providers, etc)
- flashlight
- extra batteries
- emergency blanket
- sunscreen
Checking Your First Aid Kit
Regular check up is important to ensure that the body stays healthy at all times and for the early detection of possible illnesses. You should do the same with your first aid kit.
The ideal frequency for checking your first aid kit is once in every three months. This should be enough time to verify if some of the essential supplies are still in acceptable condition and whether or not medications have expired.
A first aid course is also essential to prepare you for medical emergencies. Therefore, you will be able to administer first aid treatment on anyone requiring medical assistance and make full use of your first aid kit.
Travel First Aid Kit
Most people consider their medicine cabinet at home as their first aid kit. This is where they store all the basic medicinal and emergency supplies. Indeed, experts advise you to have two first aid kits - one at home, and one in your car for you to carry around during your travels. This is especially important when you are heading to a destination where you know there is limited access to professional care.
Aside from the benefit of having easy access to first aid supplies, you can also use it on someone else that might need immediate medical attention. Don't forget, if you have a specific medical condition, then you should personalize the supplies in your first aid kit to suit your special needs.
If possible, create a list of medical personnel at your supposed destination so that you know who to call in case of serious medical issues that may need professional medical supervision.