Accidents happen, even when we do our best to avoid them. From a minor bump to a painful scrape, treating an injury quickly reduces the chances of worsening problems later, such as a bacterial infection.
First aid kits for the home give you the tools you need to treat minor injuries in a timely fashion.
Do you have a basic first aid kit at home? Here are the reasons you need one.
- Stop Blood Loss Fast
Blood loss is dangerous, especially if you don’t have the tools on hand to stop it. The right medical supplies from your first aid kit help you stem the flow of blood. This gives you crucial minutes before professional help arrives.
Even if the wound doesn’t need professional medical treatment, having the right tools helps you stop the blood flow to better assess the situation. Always put pressure on a wound to stop the bleeding. Use a clean cloth or gauze from your first aid kit.
Avoid using a tourniquet unless there’s no other way to stop the blood flow. If the wound is on a limb, make sure the limb is above the heart to slow the bleeding.
- Relieve Pain and Prevent Further Damage
Did you know that over 70% of burns occur in the home? Scalding from hot liquids is common in children.
Scalds and burns are both from heat but scalds are from liquid heat and burns are from dry heat. Immediate treatment of a burn or scald helps relieve pain and stop further damage to the affected skin. Use cool water and soak the affected area for five minutes.
Apply an antibiotic ointment and then wrap a dry gauze bandage around the area. Keep the gauze loose. Make sure your first aid kit is always full of the necessary supplies and fill what’s missing on a regular basis.
- Deliver Essential Antibiotic Treatment
As mentioned with burns, it’s important to have a good antibiotic ointment on hand. Small scrapes and cuts can also lead to infection if not treated quickly.
Always clean a cut or scrape with cool water. You can use soap around the wound but avoid getting soap in the wound. Cool running water is the best for preventing infection.
- Stop Bug Bite Pain
You might not think of bug bites when you’re thinking about health kits or a medical kit, but bites can sting. Some bug bites swell and are itchy, irritated, and painful.
Is anyone in your family allergic to bee stings? Keep an emergency epinephrine autoinjector such as an EpiPen in your first aid kit. This can save your life by delivering a single dose of epinephrine.
- Gives You Peace of Mind
First aid kits in the home offer peace of mind. You won’t have to hunt for the right supplies in the event of an emergency. You’ll deliver treatment quickly and might even save someone’s life!
Home Essentials: First Aid Kits
First aid kits are essential for your home, and you shouldn’t be without one. From cuts and scrapes to burns and bleeding, you’ll do better with the right tools on hand.
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