First aid kits in the home are a crucial necessity, that are either overlooked, not replenished when medication becomes expired, or not updated with bandages. A basic course in first aid would be ideal. This would make one feel more at ease and offer some basics in emergency care. First aid kits need to be stored out of sunlight so medication is not affected. Once you have your first aid kit stocked, it is imperative you know how to use it. So many times we have nice equipment but are unaware of how to use it. Contents should include the following:

1. An Epi-pen should be kept in your kit and updated yearly. Most individuals do not know when they will have an allergic reaction severe enough to need one. Without one you are at a gross disadvantage should a bee or wasp sting arise. Your health care provider is able to write you a prescription for one.

2. Antihistamines. Over the counter antihistamines come in handy for allergies, itching from rashes, and basic upper respiratory symptoms.

3. Bandages, gauze and band aids in various sizes.

4. Ace wraps, and splints for sprains and strains of fingers and toes. (Common myth-If you can move your injured body part it is not broken.) The majority of fractures, the patient can move the extremity.

5. Over the counter pain medication. Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. These work great for pain as well as fever reducer. You can use both at the same time. They work on two different pain pathways and are safe to administer for moderate pain. Please be aware ibuprofen can exacerbate an asthmatic attack should one have a pre-existing condition.

6. Splinter forceps or excellent tweezers to remove foreign bodies.

7. Butterfly band aids or steristrips for minor wound closure.

8. A basic first aid book to keep in the kit as a referral source.

9. Cotton balls for packing ears and nasal cavity in case of bleeds.

10. Non-adhering bandages for burns.

11. Sunscreen is always nice to have on hand.

12. Loperamide for diarrhea.

13. Topical antibiotic ointment. Neosporin products notoriously have been noted to have a history of allergic dermatitis due to neomycin allergies. Some studies show up to twenty percent of the population is allergic to neomycin. There are clinics that will not even stock Neosporin products due to this.

There are always prepackaged kits from prices that vary from thirty dollars up to a thousand dollars.

I prefer the do it your own kit. Also have phone numbers readily available for primary care provider, dentist, specialist, hospital and local ambulance. Put one set of numbers in the kit and one in another easy accessible area.

Again learn how to use the products. Have a calm presentation in case of accidents to calm the injured individual down. When in doubt call 911 first then begin to render care.

Learn more about this author, Dan Williams.
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