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!

How to Create a Home First Aid Kit – Part One

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, so it is vital to always be prepared. Having a properly stocked first aid kit in your home is easy and essential, especially if an emergency happens and it involves your family.

1. Pick a good bag or container
You can buy a pre-filled first aid kit, and you can buy empty first aid bags or containers. But, its also possible to find a suitable one at home.

- One good option is a see-through, water-resistant plastic container with a zipper or lid. This is great, as you can see the contents inside.

- For a larger first aid kit, a duffel bag or backpack will work.

- If you want to purchase an empty first aid bag or box, try Supply Doctor as they have a wide variety to choose from.

- Regardless of what you choose, make sure it is clearly identifiable by writing “First Aid” on it, or sticking on a label.

2. Make your kit safely and easily accessible
When your child is crying about a cut or scrape on their knee, you don’t want to have to search through your entire home just to find your first aid kit.

- Decide on a consistent spot for your first aid kit to stay. An accessible, visible shelf would be perfect, and make sure to inform everyone where it is located.

- Let small children know where the kit is, but make sure it is in a place they cannot access. You don’t want them getting into the first aid kit and fiddling with potentially dangerous contents.

3. Teach your family about the kit
Make sure everyone who is old enough understands the function of the first aid kit and knows its exact location.

- For smaller children who are too young to be using the items in the kit, teach them where it is located so they can inform a visitor, relative or babysitter if there is an accident.

- For older children and adults, they should be taught how to use the specific items. A first aid kit instruction booklet will help.

4. Keep your first aid kit up-to-date
No one wants to go fetch the first aid kit and find that there are no plasters or bandages left.

- Keep track of the supply amounts and expiration dates on a regular basis.

5. Create a checklist to include with your kit
Stock your first aid kit and make sure to record every item on a sheet of paper you can include in the kit.

- Record the certain amounts and expiration dates and write them down next to the listed items on your checklist.

- The checklist will help whoever uses the first aid kit to see what is inside and what items are ready to use.

First aid kits are easy enough to make on your own, Part Two will explain what to stock in your home first aid kit.