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Getting Your First-aid Kit in Order - Don't Get Caught Out


When we are out in the world by ourselves, we might have a few band-aids around, maybe some antiseptic--but the chances are we don't have too much in the way of first aid or preventative measures on hand. So, even though we can likely buy a pretty good ready-made kit, the only way to know for sure what you do and don’t have (should you ever need to get the kit out) is to pack it yourself. Most of the things in here you might never need, but you never know that until it doesn’t happen – and kids are accident prone at the best of times.

Brown Teddy Bear Wearing Bandages and Band-Aids
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So let’s get started:

A digital thermometer. One that can be used on the forehead and ear would be ideal. It will give you the most accurate reading if you should need to give that to your doctor in the emergency room.

Liquid pain medication. As adults we are usually okay with taking pills when we have to, if you are trying to relieve pain or a fever, you need it to work as quickly as possible. You will need a spoon or dosing syringe to accompany this medicine.

Antiseptic cream for cuts grazes and scrapes. Try to make sure your one has an anesthetic to help numb the pain with the cleaning agents gets to work.

Tweezers and Scissors.  Tweezers, to help remove splinters and thorns and scissors for cutting the bandages to size

Band-aids.  Stock up on plenty of Band-aids in a variety of sizes. 

Saline solution and Eye Bath.  Buy some saline solution and an eye bath, so you can act quickly if things like dirt or grit get into the eye. The saline is also useful for washing out cuts.

Bandages, Safety Pins and Tape.  Purchase a range of bandages, plus some safety pins, and tape to hold them in place.

Non-adhesive gauze. Buy non-sticking gauze so that you can get those more substantial cuts and grazes covered but it is still easy to remove.

Sun and Wind Protection.  Add sunblock, after sun, calamine lotions (for burns and rashes), infant hearing protection, sunhat, and sunglasses. Because the weather and plans can change at a moment’s notice. 

Antihistamines. For insect bites, hay fever and other minor allergies.

Antiseptic wipes. A pack in your purse and in the kit will cover you in all eventualities. These are brilliant to remove the initial dirt and grit from cuts and scrapes.

Gloves. Gloves make for safe and easy cleanup of your hands when tending to an injured person.

Finger bandages.

Paracetamol or aspirin (for adults).

Quick hydration tablets or powders.  During a bout of a tummy bug, rapid hydration can be a lifesaver.

Extra medications and inhalers.  If you, your child or your child’s friends have any stronger allergies, then you might like to consider keeping some of their medication in this kit as well as in your purse.

You will need to check on the dates for everything every couple of months and make sure it is all in date.

Others?

Ideally, you will have two of these kits – one in the car and one in the home. The one in the house should be locked safely out of reach of smaller children. A few extra items you might like to consider adding, depending on the age of your children are:

Diapers

Baby wipes

Scented nappy bags

Baby socks

Now that the main bulk of the medical emergency needs are taken care of, there are a few extra things you should add into every kit that you have. Again, like the medicines, take them out and check on them often to make sure that is still relevant and in date. 

Emergency contact list.  If for whatever reason you are not on hand to give these details, whoever has access to the first-aid kit will need them. Use Sellotape to securely fasten the information to the inside of the box lid.

Include numbers and information for:

Your family doctors
Your local surgery and local hospital
Two or more neighbours or friends for the box in the house, and an additional few family members for the box in the car.
Have a school contact number in both boxes

Have each of these numbers programmed into your phone too, most phones have an ICE option which helps paramedics.

The idea of a first aid kit is so that you are prepared to handle most minor injuries. However, it would be beneficial for you also to learn baby CPR and how to prevent a child from choking. You should make a point to sign up for local classes as soon as you can and in the meantime watch the videos links below to give you some tips.










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