The Essentials In A First Aid Kit

You just never know when an emergency might arise, and no matter how minor or major the injury or illness is you should be prepared with a first aid kit that is stocked correctly. By making sure that all the essentials in a first aid kit can be found in your kit, you'll be much better prepared to handle most any emergency.

There are all kinds of first aid kits and what your's should have really does depend on the activity, your location, whether it's your home kit or your travel kit, and your first aid training. When your first aid kit is properly stocked you be able to respond much faster. Here is a list of essentials in a first kit.

Analgesic - pain reliever - Aspirin or Ibuprofen have anti-inflammatory qualities so these NSAIDs are better from that perspective however acetaminophen or Tylenol are easier on the stomach and both classes of medication deal with pain.

Antibiotic Ointment - Neosporin or Polysporin are just a couple of antibiotic ointments that are applied topically to reduce the risk of infection.

Antacid - Zantac or Alka Seltzer are available over the counter. Make sure you throw a bottle of Tums in your first aid kit too.

Antihistamine - Are used to reduce allergy symptoms. They stop allergy symptoms like watery eyes, itching, and running nose.

Decongestant - Will help clear a stuffy nose and improve breathing.

Hydrocortisone Cream - Relieves the itching, redness, dryness, inflammation, and discomfort of various skin conditions.

Antiseptic - Such as hydrogen peroxide are necessary for cleaning and disinfecting wounds. Besides bottled hydrogen peroxide, you should have individual packets of alcohol wipes.

Instant Cold Packs - used to reduce swelling. Easily activated for emergency use where cold therapy is required.

Bandages - You need a full supply of adhesive bandages, elastic bandages with safety pins, moleskin and gauze pads and adhesive tape.

Thermometer - The in the ear style thermometer are affordable and easy to use.

Space Blanket - These handy little blankets can make a big difference in cases of shock or hypothermia.

Eye Wash - You need to have eyewash solution, and eye drops.

Splints - Carry a few different sizes.

Accessories - latex gloves, scissors, tweezers, and mouthpiece all need to be part of your first aid kit.

An emergency can arise at any given moment and you need to be prepared. By having a well-stocked emergency kit, you'll be ready. As well as the essential in a first aid kit, you might consider taking a basic first aid course so that you are really prepared.

If there is bleeding it needs to be stopped. Loose too much blood and a person will die. You need to know where to put pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding.

Breathing is also essential to life. If breathing stops then death will follow, so you need to know how to do the Heimlich Maneuver, and CPR.

Shock is a very big problem. In fact, it's called the hidden killer. It's how the body reacts to trauma. There are some symptoms but often it can be rather vague. If you assume shock will set in then you are on the right track. Treating for shock is relatively simple and if you take a basic first aid course, it will be covered

You know the essential in a first aid kit. Now you can relax knowing your first aid has what you'll need.

Terry Fitzroy