home first aid kitA first aid kit is an item every home should have. While stores feature pre-made kits, sometimes they don't include everything you need. As such, you should upgrade your home first aid kit for your household's specific needs.

1. Include various ointments

From antibacterial to anti-fungal, ointments come in lots of types. When reinventing your home's first aid kit, consider which ailments could strike. For example, if someone has diabetes, they're more likely to develop athlete's foot. So, extra anti-fungal ointments are necessary.

2. Include drugs for different situations

First aid is about more than fixing wounds and taking temperatures. In some instances, you might find yourself in need of certain medications. You should always check with a medical professional first, but you might want to consider the following:

  • Think about who you live with. For example, children benefit from different types of painkillers when they have a fever. Such as Tylenol.
  • Focus on seasons. When summer is near, antihistamines make life comfortable. However, steer away from them if you have a history of anaphylaxis.
  • Prepare for uncomfortable situations. For example, throw in some antacids, anti-diarrhoea medications, and laxatives. Again, if you have conditions relating to your gastrointestinal system, consult a medical professional first.

Varying your drugs helps you prepare for all situations. If a medical concern arises at an awkward time, having them to hand means you don't need to delay treatment.

3. Add a warming blanket for your home first aid kit

Following storms, electric and heating supplies often go down. When this happens, vulnerable household members could develop hypothermia. If your first aid kit doesn't have a warming blanket, add one. They help to retain body heat, lowering the risk of a life-threatening incident following a disaster.

4. Consider supplies for babies or kids

Home First Aid Kit fevermatesInfants and children often need unique supplies. For example, they might prefer pretty plasters for wounds. Or, you could need a thermometer that's easy to use on a toddler.Consider including FeverMates Stick-on fever indicators or thermometers.  They're easy to use, easy to carry, and can be easily read without having to wake up your child.  Depending on their age, your child might also benefit from liquid painkillers rather than pills.

For a real first aid kit upgrade, add in items such as formula. If you find yourself in the midst of a weather emergency, getting to a store for formula isn't always possible. Or, if you know your child has dietary needs, include extra stores. You may never use such items, but having them to hand could save their life.

5. Throw in sterile items

Depending on where you live, a disaster could leave you facing a hygiene nightmare. For example, after a storm, you might struggle to find clean water. In such cases, water purifying tablets prevent nasty diseases.

To create a super-sterile home first aid kit, add the following items:

  • Surgical gloves.These gloves add an extra layer of protection compared to standard ones.
  • Alcohol wipes. Such wipes are ideal for cleaning wounds.
  • Iodine wash. If you have a large wound, iodine is highly effective at preventing infection.
  • Steri strips. As small sutures you can apply yourself, they allow you to close little wounds.
  • Eyewash. So you can irrigate eyes that come into contact with chemicals.

Finally, you should add hypoallergenic alternatives to all of the above. For example, latex-free gloves, allergy-free plasters, and more. In doing so, you ensure you can offer first aid to those with sensitivities.

When making your ultimate home first aid kit, always consider your household's needs. If anyone has a specific medical concern, cater to it. Finally, focus on emergency preparedness and add things in accordingly. If there are people in your household involved in sports, consider some of the recommendations in the MediBC blog for Sports First Aid Kits.