First Aid Kits
Medical safety kits
When an emergency strikes, are you prepared? Knowledge of first aid is extremely important in today’s society; accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and if you’re not prepared, it could mean the difference between life and death. Car and home first aid kits are important tools to have, but even more important is that they are fully stocked and ready for any accident.
First Aid Checklist
Emergency first aid kits hold the necessary supplies for helping someone who is seriously hurt or experiencing an allergic reaction or other emergency. They keep the following first aid products in one easy-to-access location:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Safety pins
- Soap or a cleansing agent
- Latex gloves
- Sunscreen
- 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads
- Triangular bandages
- Nonprescription drugs including pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids and laxatives
- 2-inch and 3-inch sterile roller bandages
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Moistened towelettes
- Antiseptic
- Thermometer and tongue depressors
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- First aid manual
All items should be fully stocked and up-to-date. Make sure to check medications for expiry dates and store your kit in a dry, cool place to preserve the first aid supplies.
Industrial first aid kits or those that will be part of hurricane kits should include the items listed above, plus eye wash and burn gel.
Preparing for an Emergency
You can choose to make your own first aid kit, or buy one from a first aid kit supply store. If you choose to buy one, the store will list exactly what items are in your kit and what the brands are, so that when you need to restock, you will have no trouble finding the first aid equipment you need.
Perhaps the most important item in your kit is a first aid manual. This manual will explain how to perform basic first aid maneuvers. A first aid class can also be helpful in teaching you what to do in an emergency.
Keeping a first aid kit in your car and home means you’ll always be ready if an accident or medical emergency occurs. Having the right products in hand as well as the knowledge on how to use them can help you act quickly, calmly and correctly during a variety of emergency situations.
