Every second counts in an emergency. If someone becomes suddenly ill or is involved in an accident, having a well-equipped first aid survival kit on hand is critical for providing immediate treatment. It can even save someone's life.
Every household should have a least one first aid kit and ideally, one for each floor of the house. This ensures the supplies are readily available and saves precious time retrieving one from a different location. Everyone in the home should know exactly where it is and how to use its contents.
A user-friendly first aid manual is an essential component. Most people think they know exactly what to do in an emergency but every situation is unique. When emotions are running high and the atmosphere is chaotic, a guide can be an invaluable tool.
Adhesive bandages in various shapes and sizes are essential for covering minor abrasions and cuts. Each bandage should be sealed individually in paper or plastic. If the package is torn open, replace it to ensure the bandages stay clean.
Add a couple rolls of gauze, several sterile pads in various sizes, and a couple rolls of adhesive tape. These are useful for wrapping and dressing large wounds. You also need a pair of sharp, sterile scissors to cut gauze, tape, and clothing when necessary.
Muscle strains and sprains are common in emergencies. Include a disposable cold compress and an ace bandage to control inflammation after a muscle, tendon, or joint injury. A couple of triangular bandages are necessary for when you need to create an arm sling.
You can avoid spreading infection when treating someone with injuries by including a couple pairs of nonlatex gloves. Wearing gloves offers protection for the injured person as well as the person treating him or her. Have some antibiotic ointment and disposable antiseptic wipes to clean debris and bacteria from open wounds before applying bandages.
Include any other compact items that may be useful in an emergency. Kits should have tweezers, matches, an oral thermometer, and a flashlight with multiple changes of batteries. Do not forget to test the flashlight from time to time and change the batteries as needed. Add an emergency blanket, sometimes called a space blanket. This compact and lightweight item may be necessary if you need a way to keep an injured person warm.
You have the option of purchasing a pre-packaged first aid kit or putting one together yourself. Either solution is acceptable but you may need to add some items to customize kits for your family's unique needs. If anyone in the family is taking prescription medications, rotate in a supply every once in awhile in case in becomes impossible to refill a prescription when it runs out. Include a handful of epinephrine auto injectors if anyone in the family suffers from severe allergies. Check the contents twice per year to inspect expiration dates on medications, swap out batteries, and make sure the packages containing sterile items are still intact.
Every household should have a least one first aid kit and ideally, one for each floor of the house. This ensures the supplies are readily available and saves precious time retrieving one from a different location. Everyone in the home should know exactly where it is and how to use its contents.
A user-friendly first aid manual is an essential component. Most people think they know exactly what to do in an emergency but every situation is unique. When emotions are running high and the atmosphere is chaotic, a guide can be an invaluable tool.
Adhesive bandages in various shapes and sizes are essential for covering minor abrasions and cuts. Each bandage should be sealed individually in paper or plastic. If the package is torn open, replace it to ensure the bandages stay clean.
Add a couple rolls of gauze, several sterile pads in various sizes, and a couple rolls of adhesive tape. These are useful for wrapping and dressing large wounds. You also need a pair of sharp, sterile scissors to cut gauze, tape, and clothing when necessary.
Muscle strains and sprains are common in emergencies. Include a disposable cold compress and an ace bandage to control inflammation after a muscle, tendon, or joint injury. A couple of triangular bandages are necessary for when you need to create an arm sling.
You can avoid spreading infection when treating someone with injuries by including a couple pairs of nonlatex gloves. Wearing gloves offers protection for the injured person as well as the person treating him or her. Have some antibiotic ointment and disposable antiseptic wipes to clean debris and bacteria from open wounds before applying bandages.
Include any other compact items that may be useful in an emergency. Kits should have tweezers, matches, an oral thermometer, and a flashlight with multiple changes of batteries. Do not forget to test the flashlight from time to time and change the batteries as needed. Add an emergency blanket, sometimes called a space blanket. This compact and lightweight item may be necessary if you need a way to keep an injured person warm.
You have the option of purchasing a pre-packaged first aid kit or putting one together yourself. Either solution is acceptable but you may need to add some items to customize kits for your family's unique needs. If anyone in the family is taking prescription medications, rotate in a supply every once in awhile in case in becomes impossible to refill a prescription when it runs out. Include a handful of epinephrine auto injectors if anyone in the family suffers from severe allergies. Check the contents twice per year to inspect expiration dates on medications, swap out batteries, and make sure the packages containing sterile items are still intact.
About the Author:
You can visit vitalfamilysurvivalkits.com for more helpful information about Preparing A First Aid Survival Kit.