Accidents happen on a daily basis, and can be as simple as tipping over a cup of coffee to something more extreme such as a fall that ends in a broken bone. Even a small accident can easily turn into a first aid emergency that requires the assistance of someone with first aid knowledge, materials, and skills.
The best way to be prepared to help in the event of an accident resulting in any injury or trauma is to become certified in first aid, or at least become familiar with the common procedures. However, knowledge alone is only the first step when it comes to assisting with emergency first aid treatments – you will need first aid materials as well.
It is an excellent idea to prepare several emergency first aid kits to keep around your home, in your car, or even on in your purse or wallet. Some first aid kits, such as the ones you might carry with you, can be small and only contain the bare necessities such as antiseptic wipes, adhesive bandages, and aspirin. These will come in handy when you might be on the go and have a small accident or injury that requires only a quick fix. Other first aid kits that are bigger can be stored in the car or in an accessible place at home. A few important things to remember about keeping an emergency first aid kit are: keep it out of reach of small children, check its stock often and replace any missing items, regularly throw out anything that has expired, and ensure that the batteries still work in items such as flashlights or digital thermometers.
The Red Cross has created a list of recommended items that should be included in any large emergency first aid kit for a family of four:
- 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
- 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
- 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
- 5 antiseptic wipe packets
- 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
- 1 blanket (space blanket)
- 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
- 1 instant cold compress
- 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)
- 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets
- Scissors
- 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
- 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
- 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
- 2 triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- First aid instruction booklet
To be fully prepared to any first aid emergency, create your own first aid kit with the materials mentioned above, and visit SimpleCPR to take an online first aid course today!
