First Aid Box

Top 11 Things Your First Aid Box Needs

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Accident strikes without sounding any prior warning bells. It happens when you least expect it to, and when you are the least prepared.

Having a First Aid Box makes all the difference when handling accidents and emergencies. Whether you are at home, traveling somewhere, or in your office, ensure that a first aid kit is readily available.

If you truly want to be prepared in all aspects of first aid and wound care, learn what common supplies should be in your first aid box at home.

  1. Adhesive Bandages

The method for wound care usually involves applying an adhesive bandage dressing.

Adhesive bandages are an essential protective medical supply that protects wounds, cuts, burns, tattoos, and open sores. In some parts of the world, they are known as strip bandage dressing, adhesive plaster strips, or the famous brand name ‘Band-Aid’.

The bandage keeps out the dirt, germs, and even water while allowing your wound to breathe. It also promotes optimal healing conditions for your wounds.

When buying adhesive bandages, get them in all colors, sizes, and shapes. For deep and bigger cuts, use large bandages. For shaving cuts and smaller scrapes, you can use the much smaller ones.

  1. Antibiotic Ointment

Antibiotic ointment and creams help prevent and treat minor skin infections due to wounds, cuts, burns, and tattoos. This medication is available without a prescription for self-medication.

The combination of neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin makes a good antibiotic ointment. However, the use of such requires you to follow the direction given by the doctor or the direction on the package itself.  This medication is strictly for skin use only. Do not get into areas near your eyes, nose, or mouth, and do not swallow it.

You may use it to treat minor skin injuries. It is not recommended for treating deep cuts, puncture wounds, serious burns, or any injuries that affect large areas of your body. Consult a medical professional if you have these types of injuries.

  1. Sterile Gauze Pads and Medical Tape

Sterile gauze for first aid use come in many different sizes. The use of sterile gauze is effective in treating bigger injuries, especially those that are bleeding profusely. It also protects the area from dirt and debris that can cause injuries and wound to get an infection.

Sterile gauze pads with medical tape make a versatile bandage for wounds of all shapes, sizes, and locations. Create padding with sterile gauze, apply antiseptic cream, and proceed with covering the wound. The last step is to secure the gauze in place using the tape.

  1. Compression bandages

In the event of severe swelling in the legs, shoulder, or hands, compression bandages are your lifesaver. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, compression bandages make an excellent tool to stimulate wound healing. It is your safest bet when it comes to applying enough pressure to help improve blood flow.

  1. Muscle Creams and Muscle Sprays

A pull in the muscle can happen anytime and anywhere. It can be a slight jerk in the neck, causing camps, or a slight tilt in the ankle, twisting it.  It can also be a bend in the back that can stiffen it and render you immobile or wailing in pain. Whatever the cause, having a muscle cream in the box can help alleviate the pain. Muscle sprays are also effective and often provide faster relief than creams.

  1. A Pair of Tweezers

Having a good pair of tweezers in your first aid box at home can come in handy. The safest way to remove or extract splinters, thorns, insect stingers, and ticks is with a clean pair of tweezers.

There are many varieties of this basic tool available in the market. When choosing a tool for your first aid box, pick needle-nose tweezers made from surgical steel, with their very fine point. They are sturdy, easy to handle and allow precision for cutting.

These are very useful, particularly if you or your kids enjoy the great outdoors where chances of getting splinters are high. Remember to disinfect the tweezers with alcohol well before and after each use.

  1. A pair of Scissors

Along with tweezers, no first aid box Is complete with a good old (or new) trusty pair of scissors. We can never predict when we need scissors to cut a bandage or remove foreign material. Cut safely though bandages, tape, gauzes, clothing, leather, thin metal, and other strong materials with a good pair of scissors.

  1. Pain Relievers

There is more to first aid treatment than stopping the bleed or covering up wounds. Relieving pain should also be a priority when treating a wound or injury. Effective and efficient treatment for pain will make an injured person feel calmer and more comfortable.

First aid for pain requires thorough planning. When stocking a first aid box, always include over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, crocin, combi flam, or ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAIDs) that can ease swelling, as well as discomfort.

Sufficient knowledge of pain and having the right medication can prepare you to respond to variety of painful injuries.

  1. Antihistamines

Antihistamines are useful in providing relief from itching after multiple insect bites, dust, or food allergies. It is an anti-allergy medication that should not be missing from your first aid box. It provides temporary relief from sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, and running nose due to allergies. It also helps to relieve upper respiratory allergies.

Antihistamines are perfect to have on hand for any mild reactions. But if the reaction seems to get worse and other symptoms to begin to occur, it’s best to see a doctor. Warning symptoms include difficulty in breathing and/or facial swelling.

  1. Thermometer and Fever Medication

Including a thermometer in your first aid box at home is a must. Fever is one thing we should be aware and careful about, especially during COVID-19. Getting an oral digital thermometer is probably the best choice. But, if you have young kids and pets at home, get an ear-canal thermometer. The lr41 batteries can be used in digital thermometers.

Minor fevers do not require first aid; however, it is very common. It is best to keep acetaminophen or ibuprofen in your kit to regulate normal body temperature. Take this while waiting for your doctor to diagnose the cause.

  1. Miscellaneous items.

It is always better to be safe than sorry, which is why keeping few items in your first-aid box is a must. Everything from disposable gloves, sanitary wipes, ice packs, and first-aid manuals are necessary to make a good first aid box.

First aid box can help manage a non-emergency injury or other medical issues at home, or anywhere. Take note of the 11 first aid box things which you should put in your box.