Let’s Refresh Your First-Aid Kit – Things You Must Have

There’s nothing like a first-aid kit to prepare you for anything. You never know when you might need it – whether you’re dealing with a small scrape or something more serious. So, let’s look at what should be in your kit and how to use it if an emergency arises. First, make sure your supplies are up to date. It’s always good to check the expiration dates and replace anything expired or worn out. Also, tailor your supplies to your own needs. If you have allergies or other health issues, make sure you have the necessary medications and equipment. And finally, make sure everything is easy to find.

Why Is it Important to Know First Aid?

It’s always a good idea to understand the fundamentals of medicine and healthcare. You can pick up useful skills whether you want to enter the field full-time or not.

In a severe injury, first aid might help save someone’s life. According to a report published by the British Red Cross in 2018, only 5% of respondents would feel informed, confident, and ready to act if someone was bleeding severely, unresponsive, and breathing, or unresponsive but not breathing. The importance of having basic first-aid knowledge cannot be overstated. Understanding the fundamentals of basic first aid may make you an everyday hero.

What Should Be in a First-Aid Kit? 

So, one of the most important things to know when learning how to make a first-aid kit is what to include:

  • Manual and Care briefly – for reference 
  • Phone numbers for emergency services
  • Any necessary prescription drugs with directions and dosages 
  • Latex gloves to protect against blood-borne diseases (also spare pairs in case they break or are punctured)
  • Face shields, breathing barriers such as a pocket mask or face shield
  • Sterile gauze pads for cuts and abrasions – in a variety of sizes
  • Adhesive tape to keep wounds stable
  • A triangular bandage is used to immobilize dislocations, sprains, and fractures.
  • Wounds should be cleaned with cotton-tipped swabs.
  • Scissors to cut fabrics or dressings
  • Tweezers or needles for pulling out foreign bodies 
  • Rolled bandages in a variety of sizes to dress wounds 
  • An oral thermometer 
  • Antibacterial hand wash or soap to clean yourself after giving Care

Maintaining Your First-Aid Kit 

Once you’ve learned how to make a first-aid kit, it’s worth noting how to maintain it. Whether or not you use your kit regularly, you should check it from time to time. It would be best if you also thought about any outdated or destroyed items in addition to those that need replenishing.

The Bottom Line

It is always good to have a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand, just in case. And with summertime coming up, now is the perfect time to refresh your supplies and make sure you have everything you need. 

All these items are essential for treating minor injuries and helping to keep you safe during an emergency. Be sure to stock up on them as soon as you can, so you’re prepared for anything!

Lookin for a one-stop shop for all of your medical and first aid supplies? Contact Fire-Alert today to see how we can help!