Tips For Building The Best First-Aid Kit
When it comes to those unexpected emergency situations, most of us tend to freeze over in panic before we act. This usually happens when one feels overwhelmed or uncertain of what steps need to be taken next. To ensure that you are just a little more prepared for emergency scenarios that you might find yourself in and so that you can move faster with the intention of rescuing and potentially saving someone from a threatening predicament, having a fully equipped First-Aid kit could potentially make all the difference.
Having a medical supply kit readily available at a moments notice is what can help you to prevent an emergency from going bad to worse – that’s if it comes properly packed with all of the right essentials and you know how to use them, of course. Whether you are a safety officer, an adventurist, a teacher, a mom or a dad – having a reliable survival medical kit at your constant disposal will allow you to swoop in and save the day!
To ensure you are well prepared for any injury or disaster that might arise, we are here to help you build the best first-aid kit, here’s how:
It Starts with A Bag
While the medical utensils and medicines are the most important part of the kit, you’ll need something to contain and protect all of the important and necessary essentials. A medical bag is one option. A bag is more flexible and can be carried around easily and conveniently. A medical box or basket, on the other hand, is more likely to keep its contents in a better condition.
Before you make a decision on what type of storage solution will be most beneficial to you, you might want to ask yourself the following questions to help you determine which option will best suit your lifestyle and requirements: Will you be storing your first-aid kit at a home or does it need to be portable? Do you plan on taking it along on your adventures and if so, how durable does your kit need to be? Will your kit need to fit into a compact space, or can it lie flat in a roomier compartment?
Selecting a storage container may seem like a mundane task, but in reality, the choice carries a lot of weight when it comes to versatility and efficiency. Whether you use a bag, a box or a basket, the most important part of packing your kit is to ensure that the supplies are packed as orderly as possible so that you can access the required items quickly.
How to Pack Your Medical Bag or First-Aid Box
Boxes and baskets usually help you to store medical accessories better, or at least in a convenient upright position. This is because the items can be laid flat and can be spread out spaciously for easy access. You do, however, get conveniently designed bags that have been specifically designed to include multiple compartments and pockets that can help you to strategically organize your supplies while the durable fabric keeps the items safe and free from wear and tear.
Whether it’s a bag or a box that you choose, what’s important is that you get to know the contents and how they are compartmentalized and organized. This way, even when you are panicking and in a rush, you will have a good idea of where to start looking for the utensils you will need in your unique emergency situation. Packing the contents neatly and in a good position will also help to ensure that they are well protected. Not to mention that it will also help to prevent liquid products from leaking and contaminating each other.
What Essentials Should Every First-Aid Kit Contain?
In order for you to put together a comprehensive medical kit, all you need to do is simply start with the basics and add items as you foresee a need for them in the future. From diarrhea to headaches and from allergies to small cuts or minor infections, the basic supplies will help you in most emergency scenarios. Luckily, most of the essential supplies you will need can be bought at your local pharmacy, a large grocery outlet or even online.
The contents of your first-aid kit might vary, depending on the environment it finds itself in and what kind of emergency situations it might be used for. There are, however, a few of the essential basics that should be included in every medical kit. Let’s take a look at the lists compiled below.
Basic supplies and tools:
- Sterile gauze (in different sizes)
- Sterile adhesive tape
- Adhesive bandages (in different sizes)
- 2 eye pads with bandages
- Cotton wool swabs
- Plasters (in different sizes)
- Antiseptic wipes
- Tweezers
- Sharp scissors
- Safety pins (in different sizes)
- Thermometer
- A few pairs of Latex gloves
Medications, fluids and topical solutions:
- Paracetamol tablets (including liquid paracetamol)
- Antihistamine tablets or liquid
- Antibiotic cream
- Rehydration sachets
- Vertigo Tablets
If your medical-aid kit will be traveling with you on your journeys, you will also want to ensure that all prescription medication is packed as well as any other medication that is unique to the individuals who will potentially make use of the kit. If you have young children with you, make sure you have medicine that can be administered to the correct age/weight of the kids.
Possible unique and prescribed medication can include:
- A multivitamin or an assortment of vitamins
- Chronic medication
- Asthma inhalers
- Calming or anti-anxiety tablets
Optional extras that might come in handy:
- A torch with spare batteries
- A warm emergency blanket
- Medical history of each individual that the kit would pertain to
- A whistle
- Waterproof matches (or a lighter) and candles
- Cell phone and solar-powered charger
- Phone numbers for emergency contacts and first responders
Keep Your First-Aid Kit Well-Maintained
Once you have built your first-aid kit, you need to ensure that it remains well maintained and in good order. Make sure that no mold is lining the kit and that products are not leaking and contaminating each other. Take inventory of the kit’s contents at least every 3 months and dispose of products that have passed their sell-by dates and replace items that have been used or have expired.
Storing Your Medical Kit
First aid kits have the potential to be useful in nearly every emergency scenario and should ultimately be with you wherever you go (not always possible, we know). There are, however, a few important locations where you should always have a fully stocked medical supply kit at arm’s reach. A kit should be one of the things every man should keep in his car, house, and workplace. If you carry a handbag or perhaps a laptop bag with you, you might want to consider packing a small and compact medical kit to add to the contents.
If you find yourself outdoors often and spend a lot of time swimming, hiking or camping – a good idea would be to build smaller but more individualized first aid kits that you can bring along on each of these adventures.
When it comes to keeping your medical supply kit in good order, it is very important that it is stored in a cool and dry place, away from harmful UV rays. You also want to avoid moisture build up in the kit, which could potentially lead to mildew and mold – which is something that you want to avoid at all costs.
Know How to Use Your Medical Supply Kit
Having a first aid kit handy at all times can be hugely beneficial but even better is knowing how to do first aid and use the items in your kit to their utmost potential. Do some research in your area to find out who does professional and authentic first-aid courses. These courses are usually offered in three different levels ranging from a beginner’s course to a more expert level of medical skills. These courses not only come with a certificate (which is always helpful when applying for jobs) but they also help to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to offer basic supportive care until healthcare professionals arrive. In most instances, these courses cover medical, trauma and pediatric emergencies and are suitable for people who work with children, the elderly or tour guides who often find themselves in the midst of an adventure.
When it comes to a situation where you need to provide instant and accurate emergency care, there’s really no better tool than a well-stocked medical supply kit. When you are far away from health care providers, having medical essentials within a close range is absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, so many individuals are not quite as well-equipped as they might think they are, or perhaps they are just a tad ignorant. Do yourself a favor and take some time in your day to build or update your first aid kit – you simply won’t regret it!
Sources:
- First aid kit checklist – Health24
- Build the Perfect First Aid Kit with These Essentials – Advanced Tissue
- How To Build The Ultimate Emergency Survival Medical Kit – Skilled Survival
