First Aid Kit Essentials: The Minimum You Need to Start and Build Your First Aid Kit
An accident can happen or you can fall ill when you least expect it. This, among many other reasons, is why it is imperative to have a well-stocked kit with first aid kit essentials.
Since accidents can happen just about anywhere, make sure you think about the different places you are on most days and ensure there is a first aid kit handy at all times. For most, it will be places like home, car, work or a backpack you use for camping. Many even carry them while traveling.
This article is about the very basics you need in a first aid kit. You will want to think about how you want to build it up. What are the components you need on top of the basics to create a customized first aid kit? Maybe family members have allergic reactions and will need specific medications. Or you’re a survivalist who knows the importance of flashlights and emergency blankets. Lives have been saved because of these kits.
Once you know what your lifestyle requires, you can build your own first aid kit or buy one that suits your needs and has the components you want.
Whichever you decide, here are some first aid kit essentials you should consider:
1. Scissors.
You can readily use these scissors to trim gauze pads and bandages, cut medical tape, and even cut clothes so you can access a wound. As far as first aid goes, they are more effective
than other tools such as a knife. If possible, you should have a pair of
small curved scissors in your kit. They are worth the investment. The good news
is that these scissors are safer than regular, everyday use scissors.
2. Disposable gloves
You need to protect yourself first. The person to whom you are administering first aid
might have different infections or even blood-borne diseases.
It is important that you avoid touching the injured part with bare hands - only with gloved hands. Aside from protecting you, this will reduce the chances of transferring more germs on the other person’s wound. Invest in latex gloves so that you can clean up the affected area effectively. If you
have an allergy to latex, consider non-latex gloves. Non-latex gloves are still effective in preventing cross-infection.
3. Instant cold packs.
Cold packs are essential in reducing swelling and inflammation, as well as ease itching from bug stings and bites. But did you also know that you can stop bleeding faster by using a cold pack and a little pressure?
Your body is very good - too good - at controlling bleeding. When you are injured, it will send blood and cells to the injured area to start the healing process. When you apply ice to the area, it starts vasodilation, which reduces the amount of blood flow to the area. Of course, it also reduces swelling and inflammation at the wound site. Make sure you wrap the area with gauze before applying the ice pack.
4. Antiseptic wash
Antiseptics are important in preventing the growth of disease-causing bacteria and microorganisms. They are used primarily to cleanse wounds so it is important that you wash the affected properly to stop the growth of germs. Water can cleanse the wound from dirt and debris but it does not prevent the growth of germs.
To use antiseptics:
Clean hands thoroughly
Clean wound with water to get dirt or debris out of the wound.
Apply antiseptic wash to the wound.
Pat the area around the wound dry with a clean paper towel.
5. Bandages and Gauze
This goes without saying that you should have bandages and gauze as basics in a first aid kit. A good first aid kit should have many different sizes of bandages. Gauzes can be used when the wound bleeding is too heavy for bandages. It can also be used to apply antiseptics.
You should have a first aid kit at home and your car, as well as when you are traveling or outdoors. If anyone in your family plays sports, that would also be a good time to have one handy. You should ensure that your kit has not only the above mentioned essentials, but is also customized to your needs. Once you have to use it, you’ll never regret having it near.