Every second counts in an emergency. If someone becomes suddenly ill or is involved in an accident, having a well-equipped first aid survival kit on hand is critical for providing immediate treatment. It can even save someone's life.
Every home should have a minimum of one well-equipped first aid kit, but having one on each level of the house is a better idea. Supplies should be readily available at any time and having to search through the home for them will waste precious seconds. Make sure every resident of the home, including children who are old enough to understand, knows where the supplies are and how to use them properly.
A user-friendly first aid manual is an essential component. Most people think they know exactly what to do in an emergency but every situation is unique. When emotions are running high and the atmosphere is chaotic, a guide can be an invaluable tool.
Include a good assortment of adhesive bandages in various sizes and shapes. These are helpful for treating minor scrapes and small cuts. Replace any bandages with torn packaging to avoid introducing bacteria to an open wound.
Kits should have adhesive tape, sterile pads, and gauze in rolls. You will need these items if you have to dress a large wound. Make sure to add scissors to the list of supplies, so you can quickly cut gauze, clothing, or tape.
Muscle strains and sprains are common in emergencies. Include a disposable cold compress and an ace bandage to control inflammation after a muscle, tendon, or joint injury. A couple of triangular bandages are necessary for when you need to create an arm sling.
You can avoid spreading infection when treating someone with injuries by including a couple pairs of nonlatex gloves. Wearing gloves offers protection for the injured person as well as the person treating him or her. Have some antibiotic ointment and disposable antiseptic wipes to clean debris and bacteria from open wounds before applying bandages.
Many other items can come in handy during an emergency. A lightweight emergency blanket or two will not take up much space and offers the perfect solution in situations where you need to minimize the loss of body heat. Other useful items include an oral thermometer, tweezers, matches, and a flashlight with several extra batteries.
You have the option of purchasing a pre-packaged first aid kit or putting one together yourself. Either solution is acceptable but you may need to add some items to customize kits for your family's unique needs. If anyone in the family is taking prescription medications, rotate in a supply every once in awhile in case in becomes impossible to refill a prescription when it runs out. Include a handful of epinephrine auto injectors if anyone in the family suffers from severe allergies. Check the contents twice per year to inspect expiration dates on medications, swap out batteries, and make sure the packages containing sterile items are still intact.
Every home should have a minimum of one well-equipped first aid kit, but having one on each level of the house is a better idea. Supplies should be readily available at any time and having to search through the home for them will waste precious seconds. Make sure every resident of the home, including children who are old enough to understand, knows where the supplies are and how to use them properly.
A user-friendly first aid manual is an essential component. Most people think they know exactly what to do in an emergency but every situation is unique. When emotions are running high and the atmosphere is chaotic, a guide can be an invaluable tool.
Include a good assortment of adhesive bandages in various sizes and shapes. These are helpful for treating minor scrapes and small cuts. Replace any bandages with torn packaging to avoid introducing bacteria to an open wound.
Kits should have adhesive tape, sterile pads, and gauze in rolls. You will need these items if you have to dress a large wound. Make sure to add scissors to the list of supplies, so you can quickly cut gauze, clothing, or tape.
Muscle strains and sprains are common in emergencies. Include a disposable cold compress and an ace bandage to control inflammation after a muscle, tendon, or joint injury. A couple of triangular bandages are necessary for when you need to create an arm sling.
You can avoid spreading infection when treating someone with injuries by including a couple pairs of nonlatex gloves. Wearing gloves offers protection for the injured person as well as the person treating him or her. Have some antibiotic ointment and disposable antiseptic wipes to clean debris and bacteria from open wounds before applying bandages.
Many other items can come in handy during an emergency. A lightweight emergency blanket or two will not take up much space and offers the perfect solution in situations where you need to minimize the loss of body heat. Other useful items include an oral thermometer, tweezers, matches, and a flashlight with several extra batteries.
You have the option of purchasing a pre-packaged first aid kit or putting one together yourself. Either solution is acceptable but you may need to add some items to customize kits for your family's unique needs. If anyone in the family is taking prescription medications, rotate in a supply every once in awhile in case in becomes impossible to refill a prescription when it runs out. Include a handful of epinephrine auto injectors if anyone in the family suffers from severe allergies. Check the contents twice per year to inspect expiration dates on medications, swap out batteries, and make sure the packages containing sterile items are still intact.
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