First Aid Kits

All families should have first aid kits, since you never can predict an emergency, and the last thing you want to do when there is bleeding is to be searching the house for a bandaid or a bandage. Therefore, first aid kits are necessary, especially for a home with children, since kids are always getting cuts, burns and bruises. First aid kits should, however, be out of the reach of children so kids cannot open small bottles of alcohol or cream. Adults should know where the first aid kits are, and they should be stored on a high shelf, far from the reach of children.

While not all first aid kits are alike, typical items should include: various sizes of band-aids, sterile pads, medical tape, gauze, small scissors, burn cream, antiseptic cream, alcohol, tweezers and cotton balls. You can also include essential prescription medication, such as insulin, which is necessary to take on a regular basis. Other items for first aid kits include aspirin or pain reliever, a laxative, antacid and an anti-diarrhea medication.

First aid kits are especially handy when camping, but one should not wait for an occasion like this before buying or putting together a first aid kit. You can purchase first aid kits which already have basic items included (except, of course, for the prescription medication). You can also put together your own first aid kits and use a plastic box or a similar container. First aid kits should be clearly labeled so they can be located easily. Babysitters should be made aware of where the first aid kit is located. If there is a minor accident, the babysitter will know how to reach the first aid kit quickly and easily, before the situation becomes more severe. Finally, first aid kits should be replenished on a regular basis and should be checked so creams are not out of date and bandages are not lacking.

Med-Help is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

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