Is it REALLY necessary for me to have a First Aid Kit?

It is a really good idea for you to have a well-stocked First Aid kit in your home and one in your car as well. The benefit of this is that it will allow you to respond quickly and effectively to common injuries and emergencies.

Other benefits include reducing the risk of infections, reducing the severity of an injury, reducing blood loss, and importantly providing pain relief, particularly in the case of burns or insect bites. It is possible that you may reduce the risk of scarring, or the extent of further treatment needed at hospital as well.

A well-thought-out First Aid Kit means that you have everything you need in one place so that when you do need it you do not need to waste valuable time racing around the house trying to find the appropriate items. The packaging of the kit needs to be sturdy, waterproof and lightweight.

What should be in the First Aid Kit for the House?

• First aid instruction booklet including instructions for basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

• A notebook and pen.

• Sterile gauze pads of different sizes.

• Nonstick dressings to cover wounds and burns.

• Crepe or elasticised roller bandages for sprains and strains.

• A splint to immobilize injury limbs.

• Pads to control bleeding or protect injuries.

• Adhesive tape (hypoallergenic)

• Triangular bandages to make a sling.

• Band aids of different sizes

• Shock blankets to help control body temperature.

• Antiseptic wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Sterile water, salt water or irrigation and a large syringe to clear out dirty cuts.

• Tweezers for splinters.

• Sharp scissors

• Safety pins

• Instant cold packs

• Alcohol wipes

• Thermometer

• Plastic non-latex gloves (at least 5 pairs)

• A flashlight and batteries

• A mouthpiece for giving CPR (these are available from your local Red Cross or St John’s Ambulance).

• An eye shield.

• An eye wash solution.

• Hydrogel

• Burn aid cream

• 1% hydrocortisone cream

• Stingose spray for itch, pain and swelling from insect bites.

• Antibiotic cream. E.g. Bactroban

Should I make my own Kit or buy one?

It is very easy and not too expensive now to buy one and the benefit of this is that they come in a very compact package that is very easy to keep in the glovebox of your car or in a cabinet of the kitchen.

The Red Cross sells them online and they can also be found for sale in your local pharmacy. The cost varies from $20 - $100 depending on the size and purpose. E.g., one for hiking will be larger and more extensive.

References:

1. Mayo Clinic

2. Australian Red Cross

3. Health Direct

4. Better Health Channel