Having a well-stocked first aid kit is important. Whether it is in your home or your car, having a first aid kit nearby is essential to be prepared for an emergency.
Good kits come in many different shapes and size and often have a variety of different items. There are many places where you can purchase complete first aid kits. (We even sell them at our corporate office if you are interested in purchasing one.)
But whether you purchase your kit or choose to make one yourself, it is important that you make sure it contains a few essentials.
Make sure your first aid kit contains these five items:
Antiseptic Wipes
Antiseptic wipes help to reduce the risk of infection and expedite the healing process. They are ideal for cleaning wounds when rubbing alcohol is not available. These wipes usually come in small individual packets and the single-use design helps eliminate the worry of cross contamination.
Bandages
Adhesive bandages should be a part of any first aid kit. They can be used to cover a wound and protect it from dirt, water, and germs that could cause an infection.
Latex Gloves
If a victim is bleeding, it is necessary that you create a barrier between your hands and the victim's wound to prevent yourself from coming into contact with their blood. Putting on gloves is one of the first things you should do when helping a victim. Having a spare pair of latex gloves will ensure that you are always protected.
Gauze Pads
Gauze pads are sterile, absorbent pieces of cloth or polyester that help clean wounds and reduce the risk of infection. Gauze can also be used to stop excessive bleeding, and the pads are able to cover larger wounds than a bandage.
Breathing Barrier
If CPR has to be performed, you will want to have a breathing barrier available in your first aid kit. This barrier protects the rescuer by preventing him or her from coming in direct contact with the victim's mouth.
When putting together a First Aid Kit, make sure that you have included these items. This is the first step in being prepared for an emergency. However, having a properly stocked first aid kit is often not enough. It is also important to make sure that you have proper First Aid and CPR/AED training.
If you are interested in signing up for a Red Cross certified first aid class, visit our website for a list of appointments.