Easy Home First Aid Kit
Everyone should have a first-aid kit at home and in the car, plus a portable kit to take along when traveling.
Keep the one at home in an easy-to-access spot, such as your kitchen.
You can make your own with sample-size products tucked into a zippered plastic bag – or you can buy kits that don’t cost a lot of money but contain everything you might need, just in case.
In fact, you can purchase a kit for far less that would cost to buy all the supplies separately; this is one of those rare cases where it costs less for a more convenient option.
There is a huge variety of first aid kits available, and most are of reasonable quality and relatively inexpensive.
I especially like the Aid & Prep 250-Piece First Aid Kit; here’s why:
- This Kit comes fully-stocked with FDA Labels and clearly labeled stock numbers and expiration dates so you never have to worry about bandages that crack or don’t stick, and you never have to worry about expired medicines or ointments (unlike the kit from China, which may have been sitting on the stockroom shelf forever before you took ownership).
- the Aid & Prep Kit comes with high quality products
- includes everything you should have in your kit
- Made to be OSHA and ANSI Compliant
- presents in a compact, organized style
- it provides excellent value for the price; you simply could not assemble this quality assortment of medical supplies and the durable bag with the handle and zipper for that price.
- consumer reviews have been consistently excellent
- No-hassle Lifetime Manufacturer’s money back guarantee
- Free shipping when you buy 2 or more (keep one in the car, boat or cabin)
- In other words, it’s everything you need and it’s priced right.
Included in the Kit
Alcohol Prep Pads & Antiseptic Towelettes
Instant Cold Compress
Tweezers & Safety Pins
Antibiotic Ointment & Burn Cream Ointment
Non-aspirin Tablets & Aspirin Tablets
Sting Relief Pads
Cotton Tip Applicators & Finger Splints
Adhesive Bandages (1 x 3) & (3/4 x 3) & Butterfly Closures
Paper Tape Roll (1.5 x 2.5 yds)
Sterile Gauze Pads (2 x 2) & Sterile Trauma Pads (5 x 9)
First Aid Instructions
Examination Gloves
This is a Fantastic Kit – However …
Just a couple of boo-boos can wipe out those little packets of pain relievers, bandages and antibiotic ointment in any pre-made kit, so stock up on extras of those common items, so you can replenish the kit as needed.
Also, there are a few extra items you will want to add to this (or any) pre-made kit, so go over the must-haves checklist below.
Be sure you keep your first-aid supplies neatly organized in one place, so that you don’t waste time rounding them up when someone’s hurt. And remember to restock when you use something up.
It’s also a smart idea to go through your kits every year to replace out-of-date medications.
First Aid Checklists
Below are checklists of everything you should have on hand. Note that the mouth-to-mouth barrier device, the hydracortisone ointment, thermometer and additional drugs are items that you should add to any pre-made kit. In addition, you should have a cold pack in your freezer at all times.
Must-haves:
- Disposable medical-exam gloves (preferably vinyl; some people are allergic to latex)
- Mouth-to-mouth barrier device for rescue breathing
- Safety pins or bandage closures
- Gel cold pack to keep in freezer at all times (or instant cold compress)
- Thermometer , with extra batteries, if it uses them (see my reviews of digital thermometers)
- Drugs; I recommend having the following medications in adult and child (if applicable) formulations:
- acetaminophen (tylenol or generic)
- ibuprofen (Advil or generic)
- aspirin (brand name or generic)
- antihistamine (Benadryl or generic)
- antidiarrhea medicine (Imodium or generic)
- antacid (tums or generic)
- Prescription medications and medical supplies
- Emergency contact information and medical history of each family member
- Sample-size or individual-use packets of meds and ointments you can pack in a travel kit, antiseptic wipes in case you’re not near soap and water, and an emergency blanket
Things you don’t need:
- syrup of ipecac.
- chemical preparations to stop bleeding.
- smelling salts.
- tincture of iodine.
Whether you purchase a kit or assemble your own, keep your first aid kit handy and fully stocked. Check for expired items regularly and refill anything that is running low.
Thanks for visiting and reading …
I hope this article provided you some helpful ideas. I welcome your comments below.
-Laurie
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