We as humans can be clumsy most time. Based on many research studies, it has been proven that accidents at home are most likely to happen rather than outside. You need to be prepared. So it is necessary that you have essential first-aid kit items at home. We are not sure when accidents occur, whether they be preventable or through natural disasters. Having a first aid at home helps you to be prepared for emergencies. It comes in handy for covering scrapes, burns, cuts and other injuries.
There are certain must-haves in the first-aid box. From antiseptic creams to bandages and painkillers. But make sure the aid is kept unreachable from children since it can harm them. Kids are playful and they may think the first-aid box is a toy. First-aid kits can be bought at many drugstores. You can also assemble the items separately on your own. So, if you are trying to assemble items for a first aid kit for your home then these are the items you may need.
Adhesive Bandages and Cleaning Supplies
At home, we often get cuts working in the kitchen or outdoors while gardening. So it is important to have adhesive bandages and cleaning supplies. There are different types of bandages for all kinds of cuts. From gauze pads to bandage tape and antiseptic wipes. Make sure you have the following items –
- Gauze pads
- Waterproof bandages
- Roller bandages
- Bandage tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Latex gloves
Digital Thermometer
When our body feels warm, we check our temperature to determine if we have a fever. When a temperature level on the thermometer crosses 100.4°F or higher then it is considered a fever. This is determined via armpit, oral or rectal. Keeping a digital temperature at home enables you to check your temperature without having to visit the doctor. And accordingly, you can take steps to make yourself feel better.
Over-the-Counter Medicines
It is a common problem for headache, stomachache, itching, inflammation or allergies. So it is necessary to have some precautionary tablets with you to manage the symptoms. So you can stock all the necessary medications such as the following –
- Ibuprofen – For treating pain, fever, and inflammation
- Acetaminophen – Paracetamol used against fever and other mild to moderate pain
- Antihistamines – For treating allergic rhinitis, common cold and viral infections
- Throat lozenges – Medicine in the form of candy for cough or sore throat remedies
- Cold medication – Gel balm, nasal spray and other natural ointments like herbal oils
- Laxatives – To increase bowel movements and prevent constipation
- Loperamide – To treat sudden diarrhoea
- Antacid – To relieve indigestion, heartburn and an upset stomach
Instant Heating and Cooling Packs
At home, there are chances of bumping on ceilings, door frames or even slipping and falling. So for such injuries, it is good to apply heat and cold packs in the affected area. Instant heating and cooling packs can give an immediate soothing effect to the affected area. The ingredients inside the packlike activated carbon, water and salt activate when you squeeze them. So you can even keep them at room temperature while using them.
Emergency Space Blankets
Space Blankets have many names but they serve the purpose to regulate body temperature. These thin sheets that look like aluminium foil are made using NASA technology. It is used in emergencies to help stay warm. Although this blanket is of a multitude of uses. It is provided to marathon runners after the end of the run. It is used in hospitals to keep patients warm after anaesthesia since it makes people shiver. And also outdoor while camping or hiking.
Other Miscellaneous First-Aid Items
Besides medicines and bandages, there are other necessary items to keep. Scissors are self-explanatory as we need them to cut bandages. Tweezers can be especially useful when you’ve got splinters or glass stuck in your skin. Safety pins are required to patch bandages when you do not have the tape. Cotton balls are necessary to apply ointments in the wounded area since using hands may not be very wise. For women, tampons are a necessity to keep in your first-aid box.
Note: With new Covid cases and variants once a year after another, it is necessary to keep masks with you. It helps with the air pollution as well as spreading or catching the sickness.
FAQs
Tweezers can be used for many things. It helps remove ticks, remove splinters and insect stingers.
Yes, during bandaging, there are dangers of blood or bodily fluids. Even if you have a minor cut, you may catch a disease if the person has a blood transferable disease. Disposable gloves help to protect you from the transmission of disease.
Keep it in close proximity where any adult can find it. Inside a closet or living room cabinet. You can also keep it in the kitchen since most home accidents happen in the kitchen.