by Todd Daigneault

Created on: June 09, 2009   Last Updated: September 29, 2009

Aspirin-a critical component to any essential first aid supplies. Without it, a difference between life and death could easily be measured-with death as the outstanding difference standing out. Anyone of us could get a heart attack or stroke, irregardless of age, and we're suddenly confronted with being able to revive them. True, knowing CPR is a lifesaving skill to know. But many of us don't know it, and those who do may not be present when the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke suddenly manifest. Depending on how far along, the heart attack or stroke is, an aspirin could truly mean the difference between life and death and included in any first aid kit.

Most of us don't give aspirin a worthy thought, and therefore don't include it in a first aid kit, probably somewhere in the back of our minds we have it in the medicine cabinet. But this miracle, wonder herb may not be there when we need it, or misplaced somewhere in our house, not being available when we need it. It should be absolutely critical to include at least a small, easy-to-tear open packet of aspirins in your home first aid kit. With its herbal blood-thinning qualities, it could help break down clots in the heart and brain, not only to help mitigate damage from oxygen-starved heart and brain tissues...but saving life itself!

Bandages of different shapes and sizes with gauze, first aid tape and a small pair of scissors is an absolut necessity for bandaging up cuts, scrapes and burns. With different assorted shapes and sizes, you'll always have one that fits the bill for any kind of wound or burn. Having gauze is good for dressing burns or more deeper, non-superficial wounds. A tourniquet to stop blood flow from deeper cuts is also critical for one's first aid kit, as well as a wound-sterilizing solution like hydrogen peroxide.

Kits shouldn't be cluttered and full of unnecessary stuff. Essentials like these are critical; unnecessary clutter is only going to make it that much harder to find everything. In an emergency, seconds can mean life, death, or serious injury. Having essentials are so important-they being the virtual lifeline in the event of an emergency situation-where they may be needed. Don't treat your kit like a survivalist package. Treat it like you and your family's first line of defense in the event of an emergency, smal to major.

Definitely have your kit in an easy to find place in an easy to open package. Seconds count, so make sure the package is easy to open, and everything is accessible. Also make sure you update and refresh your package with new and fresh supplies. Keep your kit in an easy-to-find place-and also take some basic and even advanced first aid courses. Knowing how to administer first aid is just as critical as having the kit in the first place.

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