Accidents Happen!

First Aid Should Be Your First Hand!

Accidents are always bound to happen and what better way to be prepared than a first aid kit? You are probably thinking, well I have one that came with my car? If so, we are not talking about that one! Many prepackaged first aid kits do not actually have everything you need! 

Today we will be talking about how to make a first aid kit from scratch and why these are better than store-bought first aid kits! Don't worry, I'll have a checklist of the items you'll need! Let's start getting crafty with our kits!

What's missing? 

Most store-bought first aid kits come with some bandages, bandaids, gauze, and alcohol wipes...sometimes you're lucky if you even get some antibacterial ointment. As you read this you're probably thinking this is true, but what more would you need? Well to tell you the truth, a lot! The best first aid kits are the ones you hand tailor to you and your family's needs. Richard Bradley, MD, associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, states "Not every pre-made kit has good things that are really helpful" (Johnson, 2012). 

So What Do You REALLY Need? 

The following is a checklist that you should have on hand when preparing your own first aid kit!

• First aid manual: to know how to use your kit!
• Rolls of gauze: To dress wounds
• Two-inch and four-inch pads: To dress cuts, scrapes, and wounds
• Sterile scissors: To cut anything dressings or clothes
• Adhesive tape: To hold any dressings or gauze in place 
• Bandaids of assorted sizes: To cover minor injuries
• Triangular bandages: To wrap injuries and make an arm slings
• Latex-free gloves: To avoid contaminating the wound and the risk of infection
• Instant cold compress: For sprains, aches, and sore joints
• Thermometer: To monitor temperature
• Aspirin: In case of chest pain. Be careful with children! 
• Antibiotic ointment: To help prevent infection
• Benadryl/Antihistamine: For any allergic reactions you may encounter! 

• Eye Wash: Anything that comes in contact with the eyes may be washed out immediately! 

When creating your kit do not include a bottle of ipecac. This medication was previously indicated for ingestion of poison but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you throw it out (Johnson, 2012).

Oh No... It's Time To Throw That Out!  

What good is an expired first aid kit? The best way to make sure your first aid kit is still in good condition is to check it every few months. According to the St. John's Ambulance, "You should replace used items as soon as they are used so that they are not missing from your kit in case of emergency. We recommend you check the expiry date on your first aid products, write the dates down and then stick a reminder in your diary" (2022). First aid products tend to have a shelf life of up to one year, so at the very least ensure you check your first aid kit at the beginning of every new year!

In conclusion, making your own first aid kit is better than any pre-packaged first aid kit you can buy! I hope this information can aid you in your venture to make the best first aid kit for your family! 

Until next time sugar!

- Sugar Pill Rx

References

Do first aid kits expire? St John Ambulance. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2022, from https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/i-need-to-know/Do-first-aid-kits-expire/

Johnson, T. D. (2012, April 1). Tips for creating a useful first-aid kit. The Nation's Health. Retrieved April 10, 2022, from https://www.thenationshealth.org/content/42/3/24