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Check the expiration date
For a first aid kit to be truly useful, you must keep all your supplies in one place and make sure everyone in the house knows where the kit is. In addition, your first aid kit should provide clear, concise directions about how to administer basic first aid. If you or someone in your household or workplace has a special medical condition, it's a good idea to stock your first aid kit with extra supplies such as insulin, for diabetics, or epinephrine, for severe allergic reactions. Be sure to type up directions for these special items too, in case you can't deliver aid to yourself. Most important: keep your kit properly stocked and its contents up-to-date (yes, even adhesive bandages expire).
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Why Invest in a First Aid Kit?
Only proper and thorough treatment of a wound can prevent scarring and infection. While we all have adhesive bandages stuck to the bottoms of our sticky bathroom drawers and a flattened-out tube of antibiotic ointment somewhere in the kitchen, having these products properly stocked and properly stored can make first aid treatment far more convenient and effective.
Injuries can make people nervous or panicky -- a first aid kit can give you peace of mind and ensure that you don't forget a crucial step such as disinfecting or applying butterfly bandages to an open wound. First aid kits should only be used when necessary. So if you have a mild headache and can get to your regular bottle of aspirin, make the effort instead of pillaging the first aid kit. If you forget to restock, you or someone else might sorely regret it later.
First Aid May Be Necessary Anywhere
Make sure everyone in the household or workplace knows where the first aid kit is. Take your first aid kit wherever you go -- whether you are going on a short trip or an extended one. Never assume that your destination will have a kit or that it will be properly stocked. There is no universal first aid kit for all places and situations. Choose carefully as there are many on the market made to serve many different purposes.
Consider who may need to use the kit. If you are working in an environment with small children, it might be wise to invest in a kit that is equipped with epinephrine syringes to deal with insect or food allergies. Even if no one has a known allergy, it is strongly recommended that you take the possibility into account and stock your kit accordingly.
For the extra cautious, there are also dental first aid kits. These kits alone are not enough to cover general first aid so you will need an additional first aid kit.
How to Use Your First Aid Kit
Don't be too quick to decide just to wait to get to the hospital! Administering first aid immediately can save you from further injury, discomfort, and even unnecessary scarring!
First aid kits are only going to give you as much aid as you know how to perform. While you shouldn't rely on the kit to teach you everything, it should have instructions for performing basic first aid. Familiarize yourself with those instructions so you will be prepared in the case of an emergency.
What Type of Kit Do You Need?
- Prepackaged first aid kits are available in most pharmacies. Always review the products to make sure they fit your anticipated needs. If you have special needs, such as emergency insulin or glucose, stock your first aid kit accordingly.
- It is possible to order customized first aid kits for individuals who require prescription medications. Consult your health care provider and pharmacist about how best to put together your own, customized first aid kit.
- If a product seems to have "extra" supplies, don't immediately decide that you don't need them. You never know what situations may arise.
- Feel free to add to your kit when the need arises.
- Not only should you take into account your personal needs, but also where you will be taking the kit. For example, if you are taking the kit on a hike when clean running water may not always be available, stock your kit with saline solution and/or alcohol. There are also kits designed to offer specialized first aid to those travelling in developing countries.
The Basics of a First Aid Kit
- a variety of bandages in different sizes
- antibiotic cream
- gauze
- tweezers
- thermometer
- pain relievers
- sting relief
- gloves
- alcohol wipes
- razor blade
- burn relief
- first aid tape
- eye wash
- coins to make phone calls
- clean cloths
- cold pack
- eye dressing
- flashlight with fresh batteries
- matches
- plastic bags
- antibacterial soap
- disposable gloves
- face mask for protection from disease when performing CPR
- directions on how to administer basic first aid
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Using First Aid Kits
- First aid kits are designed to supply you with adequate materials to help you perform first aid.
- First aid kits keep all your first aid supplies in one container which is visibly marked to make it easy to find.
- What is first aid exactly? First aid is just that -- the initial aid you give an injury or medical condition in order to sustain you until you can seek proper medical attention.
- Remember that "first aid" implies that there is "second aid"! Aside from minor scrapes and cuts, in most cases, first aid calls for a second, more professional form of attention.
Things to Remember Once You Get Your First Aid Kit
- Always make sure your kit is properly stocked, and don't wait until you actually need it to do so.
- If you have special needs, include clearly written instructions about how to administer special care in the event that someone else has to aid you.
- As soon as you have administered first aid and the situation is under control, try to restock your first aid kit.
- Periodically make sure that none of the products have reached their expiration dates. If they have, replace them.
- Take your kit with you on trips.
- Train household members on how to use the kit in order to prepare them for emergencies.
- Keep your kit in an easily accessible place.
- Please remember that most kits contain drugs that should not be easily accessible to children.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. American Medical Association. The American Medical Association: Guide to your family's symptoms. Washington, D.C.: American Pharmaceutical Association 1992.
- 2. Fauci, Anthony S. et al. Eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. New York: MacGraw Hill 1998.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
Articles
- 1. Frazier, Claude A. "Emergency! An allergic reaction to insect stings". Pediatrics for Parents; Vol. 17 6/1/1997.
- 2. Accerrano, Anthony. "First aid for wounds". Sports Afield; Vol. 211 1/1/1994.
- 3. Baker, Al. "All-purpose first-aid kits". Newsday; 4/6/1997.
- 4. Doheny, Kathleen. "The Health Traveler: Medical kits for the road". Los Angeles Times; 10/26/1997.
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