No one ever expects to find themselves in an emergency situation, but it’s always best to be prepared. That is why I somewhat feel compelled to always store some rescue essentials (check out our article on what to pack in your baby’s first aid kit). Here’s what you need to make your own first aid kit, so you’ll be ready for anything.
First Aid Kit Container
A first aid kit container should be big enough to hold all of the supplies you need, but not so big that it’s cumbersome to carry. It should also be easily accessible so you can grab it and go.
First aid kit containers come in a variety of different materials, from plastic to metal to fabric. And each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic first aid kit containers are the most common type. They’re lightweight and inexpensive, and they’re easy to clean. But they’re not as durable as other options, and they can warp or crack if they’re exposed to extreme heat or cold.
Metal first aid kit containers are more durable than plastic, but they’re also more expensive. And they can be difficult to clean, since you can’t just throw them in the washing machine.
Fabric first aid kit containers are the most expensive option, but they’re also the most durable. And they’re easy to clean, since you can just throw them in the washing machine.
So, which type of first aid kit container is right for you? It depends on your needs. If you want something that’s lightweight and inexpensive, go with plastic. If you want something that’s more durable, go with metal. And if you want something that’s easy to clean, go with fabric.
Sterile gauze
As the name suggests, sterile gauze covers wounds and stops bleeding. It also works great as a makeshift sling. It’s a good idea to have several rolls of gauze in your kit so that you can use them as needed. You may want to consider purchasing gauze with an adhesive backing so that it stays in place.
Adhesive bandages in different sizes
Adhesive bandages are the most common way to cover a wound. They come in different sizes, shapes, and colors to fit your needs. You can also find them with some sort of texture on them, like dots or lines. Some even have little designs printed on them! The material they’re made from can vary widely as well; some are latex-free, and others contain latex. Make sure that whatever brand you choose is safe for you and you don’t have allergies or sensitivities to it!
Pair of surgical gloves
Powder-Free Latex Surgical Gloves. Buy here.
It is essential to wear gloves when working with human or animal blood or any bodily fluids. You can get them at drugstores or medical supply stores. You can also use plastic food service gloves (like the ones that fast food workers use) if you don’t want to spend money on surgical gloves.
Put on your gloves by pulling one glove over each hand and ensuring that the fingertips of both gloves are touching each other, so there’s no air gap between them.
Dispose of your used surgical gloves safely—you don’t want to leave them lying around in a public place!
Emergency blanket
An emergency blanket is a lightweight, reflective blanket that can provide some protection from the elements when you’re in a bind. It’s not meant for long-term use and should be used as a last resort, but if your car breaks down or you get lost hiking in the wilderness, an emergency blanket can keep you warm until help arrives.
Antibiotic ointment
Antibiotic ointment is a topical treatment used to prevent infections in minor cuts and scrapes. It’s also helpful in treating skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and impetigo.
Antibiotic ointment is made from one or more antibiotics (a type of medicine that fights bacteria). The most common active ingredients are bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin B sulfate.
Pain Relievers
It’s good to have a couple of pain relievers in your kit. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are both standard over-the-counter options, and each has its own uses.
Ibuprofen is better for inflammation than it is for pain. It can be beneficial for headaches, joint pains and toothaches (if you’re not allergic to ibuprofen). If you take too much ibuprofen, it can cause stomach ulcers or liver problems. Aspirin is another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that also works as an analgesic and fever reducer. NSAIDs are commonly used with other medications like antibiotics because they increase the effectiveness of those drugs by reducing inflammation in the body. However, people who take NSAIDs regularly should watch out for side effects such as stomach bleeding or kidney damage. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting any new medications!
Instant cold compress packs
Instant cold compresses are the simplest way to manage pain. They’re like big, disposable bags of ice that you can use on any part of your body, and they come in various sizes. The most common size is 4″ x 6″, which is perfect for your first aid kit because it fits into a small compartment.
You can use these packs on cuts or burns to reduce swelling and pain; they also come in handy if you have an injury that requires an ice pack but doesn’t need something as significant as a conventional one (like when you sprain an ankle). You don’t have to freeze them first; just pop one out of its package and apply it directly to your skin. If the area feels too cold initially, wrap it in cloth or paper towels before applying the pack so that it’s less harsh against bare skin.
Once you’ve used an instant cold compress pack, be sure not to throw it away! These things last forever—even under wet conditions—so there’s no reason not to keep reusing them until they’re entirely flat or melted away completely.
Thermometer and Safety Pins
Don’t overlook simple things, like a thermometer and safety pins. You can use a thermometer to check for fever, but it also has many other uses—and for less than $2, it’s pretty much a no-brainer to add one to your first aid kit. Safety pins are also handy for all sorts of tasks, from holding bandages to pinning clothing back together when something tears.
Hydrocortisone cream
Hydrocortisone cream is a topical steroid used to treat skin inflammation, such as eczema or rashes. It’s primarily used to treat itching, redness and swelling caused by allergies or irritants. For instance, if you have dry skin from spending all day in the sun at the beach and your hands are red and itchy.
When should I use it?
Use hydrocortisone cream right away if: Your hands look red and irritated; they feel hot to the touch; they burn when you touch them (this means they’re inflamed). You may also want to apply hydrocortisone cream after washing dishes with hot water—this can cause dryness on your hands and lead to painful cracks or even bleeding!
Antihistamine
The antihistamine is a must-have in any first aid kit because it can treat mild to moderate allergic reactions. It can be taken as a pill or liquid, or even injected by a doctor when there’s no time to administer an oral dose. Antihistamines are also used for insect bites and stings. This medication works by blocking the histamine released when you come into contact with something like pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold spores or latex that you’re allergic to.
Because anaphylaxis (a severe attack of allergy symptoms) requires immediate medical care, it’s important for people to carry an auto-injectable epinephrine pen with them at all times. Make sure it’s easily accessible in case of emergency! It’s definitely one of the rescue essentials that you should have on hand.
Don’t go out and buy a new first aid kit that you’ll never use.
You don’t need to go out and buy a new first aid kit if you already have one. Instead, make sure your existing first aid kit has all the items listed above.
Make sure that your first aid kit is portable or easy to use in an emergency. If you are injured or someone else is injured, you want quick access to the items inside your first aid kit—you can’t afford for things like tape rolls and scissors to get stuck under other items!
The Red Cross recommends including at least the following items:
- 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
- 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
- 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
- 5 antiseptic wipe packets
- 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
- 1 emergency blanket
- 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
- 1 instant cold compress, also found within our First Aid Kit
- 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
- 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
- 1 3 in. gauze roll (roller) bandage
- 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
- 5 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads
- 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
- 2 triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- Emergency First Aid guide
We hope this article has given you a better idea of what to put in your first aid kit. If you already have one, adding these items to the kit could be easy. As a mom, it’s my job to ensure that my family is prepared for anything coming our way. Having a first aid kit ready at all times will help you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy should any emergencies happen. It doesn’t have to be expensive either! You can find these rescue essentials at any drugstore or pharmacy near you. So don’t worry about not having enough money or space in your home—just get started now!
#LastingLegacy #NPM2022 #BeReady
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