First aid, as the name suggests is the initial help extended to an injured person until full medical care is available.
First aid can make all the difference, if done in the right manner. It can ensure speedy recovery with the least damage and if gone wrong, can prove to be life-threatening.
Keeping a well-equipped first-aid box at home is important for everyone as this is only what will help until you drive to the hospital or wait for the ambulance to come.
1. Antiseptic creams
Putting the adhesive bandage is the second thing to do when you get a cut or a wound. Cleaning the wound and putting the antiseptic lotion on it is the first step. Using antiseptic also avoids the formation of pus in your wound.
2. Adhesive bandages
Leaving a cut open is never a good idea as it makes you prone to infection later. Adhesive tapes come in many shapes and sizes so stock both small and big ones. You can also keep the ones that come for animals if you have a pet at home.
3. Tweezers
Tweezers are important to remove foreign objects lodged in the skin. They can also be used to remove ticks in dogs. Obviously, you keep two in that case. Never forget to sterilize the tweezers before keeping them back in the box after use. However, practice caution while using it.
4. Tape and sterile gauze
5. Muscle pain spray or tube
After headaches, muscle sprain and backache are the two most common problems people face. Spray when coupled with the heating pad is the best solution to such problems. Though one should use them in moderation as these sprays get absorbed in your bloodstream directly.
6. Pain relievers
Stocking basic painkillers is one of the most important things. Not only in your first aid box but carry these in your everyday bag too. Pop one until you meet the doctor.
7. Thermometer and medicine for fever
Your first aid box is for sure incomplete without a thermometer. In order to avoid taking unnecessary medicine, measure the fever before you pop a pill for the same.
8. Allergy medicine
Many people are allergic to some foods. Having these foods can cause them tremendous discomfort. So, if you or anybody in your family is allergic to any foods or anything else, keep the medicines for the same handy with you.
Tip
Don’t just stock the essentials in your first-aid box and forget about it. Remember to clean and re-stock the medicines every month, because nothing can be worse than having expired medicines in your first-aid box at the time of emergency.
