It’s advisable to have a fully-equipped one in the bathroom.
Whether a member of your household is prone to minor injuries or you only require first aid occasionally, it’s crucial to maintain a well-supplied stash of basic medical supplies at home. I can attest that nothing can cause panic like discovering an empty supply of adhesive strips while dealing with an open wound, so ensure you always have an ample stock.
A comprehensive medical-grade first aid kit includes various items for more serious situations beyond simple wounds, such as emergency blankets, hand-crank radios, and potable water. Although these items are valuable to have on hand, let’s focus on simplicity today. Your basic DIY first aid kit should consist of the following six essentials:
- Dressings and Straps: Make sure you have adhesive strips of various sizes (commonly known as Band-Aids) and a roll of medical gauze for wrapping injuries.
- Disinfectants: Antibacterial soap and hydrogen peroxide are necessary for wound cleansing and infection prevention.
- Ointments and Creams: Aloe vera and anti-itch creams are beneficial for treating rashes, burns, and insect bites.
- Painkillers: Include diverse types of pain medication, both sedative and non-sedative, as well as child-friendly options in case you have kids. Popular choices are ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
- Basic Medications: Antihistamines for allergies, pepto for digestive issues, and other frequently needed over-the-counter remedies.
- Medical Instruments: Essential for specific treatments, ensure you have tweezers, a digital thermometer, blunt scissors, and a cold compress in your kit.
Keep all these items in a waterproof container placed in an easily accessible location, such as the bathroom or beneath the kitchen sink. Ensure everyone in your household is aware of the container’s location and ideally knows how to use its contents. Basic first aid is an essential skill that everyone should possess.
