How Easy is it to Make a First Aid Kit?

Disclaimer: I am not a health care professional. Please seek the advice of your doctor if you, an animal, or another person is injured.

Accidents are never planned. The wise person will be prepared for anything, especially parents. Heaven forbid there is an accident in your home and you are not prepared. Take into consideration natural disasters that could come as a surprise. Wouldn’t you be better off prepared to help your family, friends and neighbors? Of course you would. So be sure to stock your first aid kit with the following items at the very least.

Remember that most medical supplies have an expiration date. Each time you change your clocks to and from daylight savings time, change the batteries in your smoke detectors, and check the expiration dates on all your medications.

• Sterile gloves for protecting the caretaker(s)
• Antiseptic wipes for cleansing the wounds
• Triple antibiotic ointments for protection from infection
• Various sized band-aids for cuts and scrapes
• Gauze pads for deeper flesh wounds
• Roll gauze for deeper flesh wounds
• Medical tape for use with gauze
• Scissors to cut the tape
• Burn gel packets for easing painful burns
• Portable ice pack for comfort and to reduce swelling
• Benadryl for allergy relief and to reduce swelling (and Epi Pen if needed)
• Ammonia smelling salt to keep someone conscious
• Tongue depressors for keeping a seizure victim from biting his or her tongue
• Ace bandage for sprains

When was the last time you checked the expiration dates on the items in your medicine cabinet? Be sure to do it as soon as possible. Also, as the seasons change, you may need to alter your stock. For example, you will need sunscreen, anti-histamine, and aloe vera more in the summer time. Cold medicine, heating pad, and throat lozenges will be more useful in the winter.

See the recommended items below:

• Don’t forget to have at least 1 to 5 fire extinguishers and keep them inspected and current.
• When reaching for items high up, use a sturdy Step ladder instead of a chair.
• Install at least 2 types of locks on all of the windows and doors.
• Set up all cell phones in the family on find via GPS
• Record in your cell phone all emergency contacts and name them “ICE” which stands for In Case of Emergency.

• Sterile gloves for protecting the caretaker(s)
• Cotton swabs and cotton balls for applying topical treatment
• Various sized band-aids for cuts and scrapes
• Gauze pads for deeper flesh wounds
• Roll gauze for deeper flesh wounds
• Medical tape for use with gauze
• Scissors to cut the tape
• Tongue depressors for keeping a seizure victim from biting his or her tongue
• Hydrogen peroxide for cleansing wounds
• Rubbing alcohol for sterilizing needs
• Sun screen with SPF of 50 or higher to prevent sunburn and other damage
• Aloe Vera gel for easing painful burns
• Triple antibiotic ointments for protection from infection
• Calamine lotion for itchy rashes and bug bites
• Benadryl for allergy relief and to reduce swelling (and epi pen if needed)
• Cold medicine for cold symptom relief
• Throat lozenges for sore throats
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief and fever reduction
• Ibuprofen (Advil) for pain relief and inflammation reduction
• Aspirin for quick treatment if someone is suspect of having a heart attack
• Portable ice pack for comfort and to reduce swelling
• Heating pad for muscular relief
• Ammonia smelling salt to keep someone conscious
• Ace bandage for sprains

I certainly hope the read was helpful and educational. Your opinion is always welcomed and appreciated. If you are so inclined, leave a suggestion, comment, or constructive criticism in the comments section below. Thank you so much for your interest in my work.

"Be kind to one another" ~ Ellen

God Bless You ~ Margaret Sullivan