What are the Essentials of a Family First Aid Kit?

Answer: 
Every home should have a well-stocked and supplied first aid kit on hand for when accidents happen or illness strikes. We’ve all found ourselves caught at one time or another with these little blips, whether they be large or small, and it’s no fun improvising a bandage or plaster from tissue paper and old Sellotape from the drawer.  With that in mind, just what should a proper first aid kit contain to ensure that all eventualities can be prepared for?

The answer is surprisingly easy to assemble and not too hard on the pocket either. 

The Red Cross recommends that a family of four should first of all have at least 25 adhesive plasters or bandages on hand for any small cuts or scrapes that arise. Antibiotic ointment, either a tube or in packets, is also handy for these injuries, as are antiseptic wipes. For larger cuts or burns, roller bandages, one of three inches width and one four inches, should be stocked, along with surgical tape and two compress dressings (5x9 inches). Sterile gauze pads of matching size to the roller bandages are also useful to avoid irritation of the injured area, especially for the likes of scratched knees and friction burns. Also, to ensure that the risk of infection is kept to a minimum, your first aid kit should include two pairs of disposable sterile gloves (non-latex) for the family member administering first aid.

Aside from cuts and burns, keeping a couple of cold compresses on hand for bumps and knocks is always a good idea, especially with little ones running around. For any sore arms or shoulders, a couple of triangular bandages can be used to make a sling, but make sure to have safety pins close to hand to tie it up. For eye injuries, eye wash and a matching eye bath are incredibly handy, as even a bug with a bad sense of direction flying in can be incredibly uncomfortable in the eye. On the same note, spray or cream for insect bites and stings should also be included, along with antihistamine tablets.  

A first aid kit is not just for injuries. The NHS recommends keeping a good supply of cough medicine, hydrocortisone cream, and painkillers (Paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen) ready to use. Remember that aspirin or regular Paracetamol should not be given to children under sixteen years of age, and all directions should be read carefully before using.  

Last but not least, don’t forget the vital tools of every home’s first aid kit: tweezers, scissors, and a thermometer. A digital thermometer is recommended here, as it is less likely to break and ultimately more accurate and easy to read than the older mercury models.

The kit should be kept somewhere cool and dry, and most certainly out of reach of children, for whom playing with bandages is a never ending source of fun. Most health organisations recommend checking the contents every three months to make sure that all the items are still useable and within the use by dates.  

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy