How To Build A Complete First Aid Kit

Comprehensive Guide to Building and Maintaining First Aid Kits for Home and Emergency Preparedness

Introduction

Life is full of challenges, from unexpected injuries to sudden emergencies. Some we can prepare for with caution, while others catch us off guard. In these critical times, a first aid kit becomes our frontline defense against unforeseen crises. But are you really ready?  Yes, those store-bought first aid kits are handy and portable, but they will fail you when it comes to dealing with anything more than minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, or minor burns. They can leave you frustrated when faced with a potentially life-threatening emergency due to their limited variety of supplies. A customized first aid kit is a game-changer, ensuring that every first aid kit you have is suitable for your home's needs.

Why you need a first aid kit

• Emergencies Happen: Life is unpredictable, and accidents or emergencies can rear their heads when you least expect them. They can strike at home, on a wilderness adventure, or in the workplace. And that's where your trusty first aid kit comes into play, ready to deliver effective emergency medical assistance. It's like your first responder in those critical situations.

• Time is of the Essence: When an emergency unfolds, every second counts. A well-prepared first aid kit empowers you to take immediate action. You can swiftly address issues like bleeding, pain relief, and the prevention of infection, all while you're waiting for the pros to arrive. Without it, you risk wasting precious time, potentially worsening the situation. 

Build A home first aid kit

• Clear the purpose of the first aid kit: Before starting to build a home first aid kit, you must first clarify its main purpose. What emergencies and unexpected events are home first aid kits designed to handle? The answer to this question will guide you in selecting appropriate first aid supplies.
• Basic First Aid Supplies List: Discuss the core elements of building a home first aid kit, including but not limited to bandages, disinfectants, medications, dressings, etc. These basic supplies are essential for treating common injuries.
• Training of family members: A first aid kit is most effective if family members understand how to use it. Discuss the need for basic first aid training for family members and provide simple training recommendations.
• Professionalization of first aid kits: Different families may have different needs. Discuss how to tailor the first aid kit to the special needs of your family members to ensure it meets your unique needs.​What is your first aid kit?

Common First Aid Supplies List for common injuries and emergencies:

• Bandages and Dressings: Different types and sizes of bandages and dressings are used to cover cuts and wounds. There is also Clear Film Dressing to protect wounds.
• Drugs: Commonly used drugs such as antipyretics and analgesics, anti-allergic drugs, antibiotic ointments, ointment for burns and scalds, etc. Also, if there is a family member who needs a specific prescription medication, be sure to include that as well.
• Disinfection products: Disinfectant solution, medical alcohol, cotton balls or disinfectant wipes for cleaning and disinfecting wounds.
• Gloves and Tools: Disposable gloves, medical scissors, tweezers, and clamps and other tools for handling wounds or foreign objects.

Special Medical Supplies and Equipment:

 If you have a family member with special medical needs, or you would like to add additional medical supplies and equipment to increase the functionality of your first aid kit, consider including the following items:

• One-time instant cold compress: It provides immediate relief by reducing swelling and soothing discomfort.
• Silicone Foam Dressing: Silicone foam dressing is usually used for wound healing. It has good permeability and adsorption properties and helps in wound recovery.
• Senvok Wound Closure Device: The Device is commonly used in wound management to effectively close wounds and promote healing.
• Choking Rescue Device: If there are children or elderly people at home, or members with swallowing problems, then a choking rescue device is a must-have. The ArixMed Choking Rescue Device is a good choice for emergency situations where foreign bodies in the airway are blocked. Provide prompt rescue.

In addition, if your family members suffer from asthma or heart disease, please also put the corresponding medicines where they are easily accessible.

Where to store the first aid kit

• Kitchen cabinet: The kitchen is often where the whole family gathers, so you should keep the first aid box in the kitchen cabinet. This position is very practical for minor injuries such as cuts or burns.
• Medicine cabinets: Many families have specialized medicine cabinets used to store medicine and medical supplies. The archive there is very accessible.
• Interior of the vehicle: The interior of the vehicle is also a great place to store first aid kits, especially for those who rely on their car for transportation. This way, you can quickly access first aid on the go or in case of an emergency.
• Outdoor space: If your family enjoys outdoor activities, storing a first aid box in the garden or outdoor play area is a great idea. This way you can quickly take action that may arise during outdoor activities.

You can choose the storage location that best suits you depending on your family's needs and daily lifestyle. Regardless of where you choose, make sure your first aid kit is easy to find and accessible in case of accidental injuries and emergencies.

Regular maintenance of first aid kits

• The availability and effectiveness of a first aid kit depends on how well it is maintained. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your first aid kit is a critical step in ensuring it is always in top condition. Here are some suggestions:
• Check for expired items: Regularly check the medicines and consumables in first aid supplies to ensure that they have not expired. These items may have a shorter expiration date, so it is crucial to promptly replace expired items, including antipyretics, and analgesics, anti-allergy medications, disinfectants, etc.
• Replenish used items: If you have used certain items in the first aid kit, such as bandages or dressings, replenish them promptly. Don’t wait until an emergency occurs to find out you’ve run out of certain items.
• Check flashlight charge: If a flashlight is included in your first aid kit, check the battery charge regularly and make sure they are sufficient to provide light when needed. Consider using a rechargeable flashlight to reduce the need to replace batteries.

Take a first aid course

Taking a first aid course is as important as having a well-stocked home first aid kit. We strongly recommend enrolling in first aid and CPR training to learn how to respond to emergencies such as injuries, choking and cardiac arrest. These classes are often offered by organizations like the American Red Cross.

Be prepared and stay safe! Don't wait for emergencies to surprise you. A complete first aid kit can be a real lifesaver when you need it most. Don't wait for tomorrow, take action now to create one and keep your loved ones protected.