Everyone should have a first aid kit at home, but not just any first aid kit. A good one has to be stocked with all the essentials-from bandages and antiseptics to splints and painkillers. It’s good to know what to keep in your first aid kit and what steps you need to take after an injury. Check out this article for more information on items that every first aid kit should have.
1. Antiseptics
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but don’t forget the antiseptic. It’s one of the most important items in your first aid kit because it prevents infection and rids wounds of any bacteria that may have gotten into them. This is just one of the items in the wound care product range that is necessary if you ever get hurt. There are several types of antiseptics on the market-some are more effective than others while some even cleanse your skin pre- and post-injury. Antiseptics are also important because they don’t just rid your wounds of any bacteria that may have gotten in, but they also speed up the process of wound healing. If you’re serious about putting together a proper first aid kit, then antiseptics should be a high priority on your list. Think about it – what good is a bandage if the wound is already infected?
2. Bandages
Every first aid kit needs to have at least one roll of tape and several gauze bandages. They provide support for injured limbs by giving them a structure to brace themselves against while simultaneously protecting them from further damage. In addition, these bandages stop minor wounds from bleeding profusely which makes them perfect for shallow cuts and scrapes. Gauze bandages are incredibly versatile and can be used to treat everything from burns to blisters. They’re also safe for cleaning wounds and wiping away any infection since they don’t contain any drugs or chemicals that could cause further damage.
3. Gauze Pads
Gauze is a soft fabric that has many uses. You can use it to dress open wounds or cover burns, which will stop bleeding and provide pain relief. By covering the wound with these pads, you’ll prevent dirt from entering it while also protecting it from further damage. Gauze pads are a must-have in any first aid kit and should be replaced immediately when they get too dirty to use. These are also necessary because they can function independently if you don’t have any bandages on hand.
4. Non-adherent Dressings
These dressings have been specially designed so that they don’t attach themselves to open wounds which are perfect for deep cuts and surgical incisions. These non-adherent dressings provide protection from infection, plus they absorb liquids very well, so the wound won’t get wet or soggy. They also prevent further damage by stopping blood flow which lets scabs form over the wound. To use this, you need to place the dressing directly on your wound and then cover it with a bandage.
5. Painkillers
Painkillers (such as aspirin) will help numb pain and reduce inflammation while you wait for medical attention. There’s really no need to stock your first aid kit with heavy-duty painkillers that require a prescription since they’re rarely needed. In fact, experts recommend that you try to avoid taking these drugs if at all possible because they have several adverse side effects, including nausea and dizziness. Your first aid kit should have a basic supply of over-the-counter painkillers to give away during an emergency. The most important, however, out of all of the painkillers is a tube of topical analgesic to relieve burn pain. Remember that a first aid kit is intended for minor injuries, but you can also use many of its contents as home remedies for serious conditions.
6. Splints
Splints are used to secure injured limbs, so movement is kept to a minimum while the body heals itself. They help immobilize broken bones which makes them perfect for injuries caused by heavy impact or physical trauma, such as being hit by motor vehicles or falling from great heights. It’s best to keep plenty of ready-to-use splints in your first aid kit because anything that needs cutting will require scissors.
Don’t forget to check out other fist aid kit essentials such as sterile dressings, adhesive bandages, and antiseptic wipes. Also, keep in mind that you can buy ready-to-use first aid kits online or over the counter from home improvement stores. If you have a lot of ointment packets leftover, then don’t throw them away – just add them to your next purchase so that your stockpile never runs low. Remember, a first aid kit is only complete if it has all the essentials listed above.