Emergency First Aid Kit: The Top 10 Items You Need
Everyone should have a first aid kit in their home in the event of a minor injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 44% of Americans don’t have a home first aid kit.
If you’re ready to stock your emergency first aid kit, which items do you need?
Read on for a list of 10 crucial things every first aid kit should include, so you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
1. Bandages
Bandages can protect cuts from infection and help to stop the bleeding. Stock your emergency first aid kit with several sizes of bandages just in case of a cut or scrape.
2. Burn Cream
You can treat minor burns from a hot stove with burn cream. Add this item to your kit to help reduce pain after a small burn.
3. Hot and Cold Packs
All first aid kits should include an instant hot and cold pack. These packs heat up or cool down help to reduce swelling due to minor sprains or strains.
4. Adhesive Tape
You’ll find medical tape in many portable first aid kits. This tape helps to keep bandages and wraps closed and secure while injuries heal.
5. Medicine for Your Emergency First Aid Kit
Include some over-the-counter medication in your first aid kit to help with pain or inflammation. Aspirin and ibuprofen are both great choices to add in case you need them.
6. Insect Bite or Sting Treatment
If you get stung by a bee or bitten by a mosquito, you’ll want some relief. Look for a simple treatment that can help with pain, itching, or swelling associated with insect bites and stings.
7. Tweezers
This handy tool is a smart addition to a home first aid kit. You can use tweezers to remove splinters, small shards of glass, and other items from the skin.
8. Antibiotic Ointment
Add a tube of antibiotic ointment to your kit to protect cuts from infection. Apply the ointment to minor cuts and scrapes after you clean the wound. You can use antiseptic wipes to clean small wounds quickly.
9. Digital Thermometer
A fever may indicate severe illness or possible infection. Put a digital thermometer in your first aid kit so you can get a quick reading of your body temperature.
10. Emergency Contact Information
Always include a list of emergency contacts in your home first aid kit. This should include trusted family members and friends as well as the number of your primary care physician. It should also include the number of the poison control hotline just in case.
Stay Safe with a First Aid Kit
Stock your emergency first aid kit with these items so you’re always prepared. With the right items, you can address minor injuries at home to help ease pain and offer effective treatment.
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