First Aid Supplies For The Home

Every family needs a well stocked and easy to find first aid kit. Accidents are unpredictable and being able to react quickly can sometimes make a big difference. That is why having first aid supplies on hand and ready at a moment’s notice is a necessity, whether you are at home, in the car, or vacationing.

You can purchase a variety of sizes of kits at local drugstores or supermarkets that can go in the home, the car, or are for travelling. However, you can also create one yourself. All you need are the basics and some kind of container to keep it all together in and within easy reach.

You will want to start off with some bandages and dressings. For small cuts and scrapes, have on hand adhesive bandages in several different sizes and shapes. You will also want sterile gauze pads of different sizes and a roll of gauze for wrapping. Sterile cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs will also come in handy when cleaning out minor injuries and applying medication.

Cleaning supplies for cuts and scrapes as well as medications will also need to be added. Antiseptic spray or wipes will help clean up and disinfect any injuries. Include antibiotic ointment to treat cuts as well as calamine lotion for stings and poison ivy. It is a good idea to have hydrocortisone cream, lotion, or ointment for itching.

Other medications on hand can also come in handy, especially if you take your kit with you while travelling. Pain and fever medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin are a good idea to have on hand. Include allergy medications in your kit such as an antihistamine as well as anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medicines.

Along with your bandages and medications, there are certain tools that need to be included in your supplies also. You will want to include a finger splint, safety pins, tweezers, scissors, and a thermometer. For safety and sanitation purposes, always include some hand sanitizer and disposable non-latex gloves, which will be necessary when dealing with an injury that will bring you in contact with blood or body fluid of any type.

If you are making a kit for your car or for travelling, a few other little things can make a big difference in an emergency. A flashlight with extra batteries should always be on hand, as well as a blanket folded up somewhere near the emergency kit. It is a good idea to always have the first aid manual as well as a list of emergency numbers packed with your supplies.

Once you have your first aid supplies together and in a convenient place, you want to make sure it is kept out of the reach of children. Another thing to keep in mind is to check it regularly so that you can replace missing items or medicines that may expire. The best thing you can do for yourself and your family, whether at home or travelling, is to have a proper first aid kit ready and on hand for any kind of minor emergency.