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When I first entered the world of Emergency First Aid, my first First Aid Kit or what we EMT's called our "Jump-kit" was one of most prized possessions. It went with me everywhere I went. Making sure it stayed stock with all of the necessities was just plain fun. In the beginning, it was huge and weigh quite a bit. But as the newness wears off you gradually collect the First Aid items that you learn is more important for "Your Needs".

Be aware there is all kinds of First Aid kits out there. With little cost you can find a kit that is already equipped with everything you can want in a First Aid kit. Or you can build your own, design to meet your needs. Which has a ton of advantages.
Start with a good sturdy case, and fairly water proof. Be creative, but make sure you have lots of pockets. Your will need them. You can go as small as a kids book-bag or as big as your favorite dufflebag. There is thousands of different choices. I like my bag soft and lightweight. Once you pick a bag for your first aid equipment, then it's time to go shopping for the necessities.
Use your common sense here! Assorted sizes of band-aids, different size sterile gauze pads, and gauze, with a few different size's of first aid tape, a bottle of sterile water, or your favorite antiseptic and box of plastic gloves. Have at least two trangle bandages, a pair of good sturdy scissors and a quick medical reference guide, with emergency numbers for the Poison Control Center and other organizations you may need including your local Ambulance Service.
From here you add what meets your needs. I added a mouth to mouth protector, for CPR user's, a snakebite kit, antibiotics, small splints, elastic ace bandages, A blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, with sanitary napkins that makes fantastic dressings for large wounds. Things like a pen light, and a burn kit you can add. But only add what you know you can use. Like I said, you can get carried away. But it's a waste of money if you add things to your first aid you can't use or don't know how. You can put as much money as you want and these bags can get costly.
Now you ready for that emergency, whether it's at home or at work or play. Be sure to activate help or call 911 and stay calm and you and your new first aid kit will be right there when help is needed. You'll walk away with a feeling of pride, no one can take.

Learn more about this author, Belinda Kiser.
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