It's important to have a well-stocked first aid kit in your home so you can deal with minor accidents and injuries.
Your first aid kit should be locked and kept in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Many people also keep a small first aid kit in their car for emergencies. Always check to see whether any medication is in-date before taking them.
Here’s some further info about what each item is used for:
- Disposable sterile gloves protect you if you are treating an open bleeding wound on another person.
- Crepe bandages can be used to apply pressure and support to a limb or joint.
- Rehydration salts to help replace lost salts if you are dehydrated or have been diarrhoea or vomiting. Make sure to check the use by date before using them.
- Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, which can also help bring down a fever or high temperature.
- An eye wash or eye bath can help wash out anything that may get into your eyes.
- Skin wound closures or steri strips will help close a small clean open wound by pulling the skin together.
- Antihistamine cream or tablets can provide relief from a skin rash, hay fever, or an allergic reaction. Do not take antihistamines at the same time as alcohol.
- Applying antiseptic cream to minor cuts or grazes will help prevent an infection.
- Indigestion liquid or tablets to help with an upset stomach due to gas, eating spicy food or overeating.
- Sterile gauze pads are used to apply pressure on a wound, apply any cream or ointment, or act as a temporary dressing.
- Sterile saline pods or sachets are used to wash any cuts on your skin before you apply antiseptic cream or put on a plaster.
- Triangular bandage can be used as a sling for an arm, shoulder or hand injury.
- Sterile absorbent dressings can be used over a bleeding wound that may be large or deep as a temporary solution whilst you seek medical attention.
You can speak to a pharmacist about additional items for a first aid kit, especially if you know you will have limited access to healthcare services.
