Lifestyle

8 must-have things in your first aid box

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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

For profuse bleeding, you would need both these objects in order to create a larger tape. Put antiseptic cream and create a padding with the gauze to cover such wounds. This is good for kids and pets as they won’t be able to remove it easily.

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.