Accidents can happen at any time to anybody.
We can't prevent accidents but we can be prepared to face an accident. Knowing first aid procedures and having a first aid kit is an absolute necessity. It's good that children are taught about first aid in schools.
As accidents can happen due to a wide range of causes like a fall or an insect bite or poison or an allergy, it is advisable to buy a good first aid book which has pictorial description, emergency phone numbers and the local hospital addresses and also be aware of everything in the book. If the children are old enough to understand, read it for them. They grasp things very fast and act quickly, too, and it would be very handy in case of any emergencies or accidents.
To set up a first aid box, we first need a box that is handy or portable. It must be kept in a place that is accessible and be known to everyone in the home, except to very small children. The list of supplies given below should be kept in a first aid kit:
1. First aid manual.
2. Sterile cotton balls.
3. Absorbable and non-absorbable cotton rolls.
4. Sterile gauze of different sizes.
5. Sterile pads.
6. Adhesive bandages.
7. Bandages of different sizes and shapes.
9. Sharp scissors.
10. Thumb forceps / tweezers.
11. Sterile spatulas / tongue depressors.
12. Torch with extra batteries (check condition at least weekly).
13. Disposable syringe and needles
14. Cold pack.
15. Sterile or clean gloves.
16. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen (for pain, fever, cold and any inflammation).
17. Aspirin (for chest pain).
18. Benedryl (for allergies).
19. Bronchodilators (for breathing difficulty).
20. Milk of magnesia. (antacid for poison)
21. Antibiotic cream.
22. Antiseptic solution.
23. Hydrocortisone cream.
25. Antiseptic wipes.
26. Antiseptic lotion.
27. Calamine lotion.
29. Alcohol wipes.
30. Safety pins.
31. Antiseptic soaps.
32. Blanket (stored near by).
Most important of all:
1. Learn CPR.
2. Have the emergency phone numbers written on top of the first aid box.
3. Be familiar with the things in the kit and learn to use them (action and dosage of medicines especially).
4. Check the articles in the kit at least weekly and replace them immediately if something is missing or if medicine dates expires.
5. Get help as quick as you can in an emergency.