How to Create a Home First Aid Kit – Part Two

In order to always be prepared for emergencies, you need a reliable first aid kit, but remember it also needs to be stocked sufficiently! Supply Doctor has a wide range of medical supplies that you can use to fill your home first aid kit. Here’s exactly what to stock in your kit…

1. A range of bandages
When dealing with cuts and scrapes, it is ideal to have an array of sizes and types of different bandages. Place all your bandages in a clear Ziploc bag with a label. Include the following bandages:

- 25 adhesive bandages of different sizes
- Five gauze pads
- A roll of cloth adhesive tape
- Two sterile dressings
- Roller bandage
- Triangular bandages

2. Basic medical tools
You need to be ready to pluck splinters, cut bandages and other first aid tasks without searching for different tools around the house. Place these in a labelled Ziploc bag as well and include:

- Small, sharp scissors
- Tweezers
- Non-latex gloves
- Oral thermometer
- Cotton balls and swabs
- CPR breathing barrier mask
- Instant cold press
- First aid instruction booklet
- Hand sanitizer
- Cleansing wipes

3. Additional tools
If you have a big first aid kit, you might want to add non-essential medical tools in a separate pouch or bag. These might include:

- Eye protection
- Space blanket
- Aluminium finger splint
- Duct tape
- Petroleum jelly
- Sewing needle
- Safety pins

4. Medications
Keep these separate from bandages and tools, and clearly marked. Make sure to check the expiry dates regularly too. Include the following:

- Aloe Vera gel
- Calamine lotion
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Laxatives
- Antacids
- Antihistamines
- Pain relievers
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Cold/cough medicine

5. Family medications
If any members of the family need prescription medications, consider including them in your first aid kit, especially if you are travelling. Ensure that you keep them in clearly marked containers.

- Keep close track of the expiry dates of the medications
- If anyone has severe allergies, keep an epi-pen in the home kit with instructions

Always be aware of what you use and don’t let the supplies run too low. In order to have a fully effective home first aid kit, it keeps to be stocked properly!