First Aid Kit Essentials
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Common or small injuries can be effectively treated at home with the right supplies. St. Johns recommends that your first-aid kits be stocked with these basic essentials. You can customise your kit to suit the needs of your family, but these 12 essentials will help get you started:
- 1 packet of plasters - parents of young children may want to include colourful or patterned versions like these delightful designs from Welly First Aid (I love that they are called Bravery Badges!)
- Sterile non-adhesive pads - 2 small and 3 large
- 1 elastic (crepe) and 1 non-elastic bandage rolls
- 2 pairs of disposable gloves in size large
- A pair of blunt-nosed scissors
- Tweezers
- 4 saline solution tubes
- Burn relief cream or gel
- 1 roll of adhesive tape
- A thermal blanket
- 5 antiseptic wipe packets
- A thermometer
You can also keep medications for common illnesses on hand, these medications should include:
- Ibuprofen + Pamol
- Anti-diarrhoea
- An antihistamine cream or medication
- Antacids
- Cough and cold medications
- Laxatives
Dr Morgan Edwards, a specialist anaesthetist at Waitematā District Health Board who has been involved in the Covid-19 response, also recommends you include these items to create an at-home covid kit:
- Paracetamol
- Re-hydration eg. Hydralyte
- Sore throat treatments - gargles and anaesthetic lozenges
- Hand sanitiser
- Surgical face masks
- Anti-nausea medication
- Any medications that you take regularly - fill some repeats ahead of time. Adults or parents of children with asthma should make sure they have a good stock of inhalers
- A supply of disinfectant cleaning products
Store your kits out of reach of young children, but in a place that is easily accessible to adults - an excellent option is the kitchen. Remember to show babysitters and other family members the location of the kit and provide contact numbers in case of an emergency. Check the kit regularly to ensure it is well stocked and replace any expired items as needed.
Tania of LMB
Sources: Stuff, Bupa, Get Ready Get Thru, iCare ER