Every home must have a first aid kit. If you have kids around the house, it is essential that you have medical supplies ready in case of an emergency. Your first aid kit must be easily accessible and complete. You can use a container with a lid so kids won’t be able to reach and open it. It is ideal to keep everything together. From medicines, first aid equipment, and other medical supplies based on your family’s unique needs. Moreover, your first aid kit must be placed in an area away from heat, sun, or moisture. It is best to store it in a cool dry place.
Also, you need to make a list of all the items inside your first kit and their expiry dates. It is crucial to check your supplies and review their expiry dates. Ideally, every 3 months so you know which medicines you need to buy.
In some countries, like for example Australia an additional snake like this one: https://firstaidworks.com.au/product/snake-bite-first-aid-kit/ is recommended.
First Aid Kit Checklist for Households
Emergency Contact Numbers
This will come in handy when worse situations occur. You need to have updated numbers of your hospital, doctor, ambulance, and other important people or institutions in your area that can aid you during an emergency.
First Aid Instruction Booklet
If you don’t have any medical experience or knowledge, the instruction booklet will come in very convenient if your kid has a wound and you need to clean, put some medicine or ointment and dress it.
First Aid Supply Checklist:
- Adhesive bandages
- Adhesive cloth tape
- Sterile gauze
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes/spray
- Instant cold compresses
Essential Medical Ointments
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Calamine lotion
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Hand sanitizing gel
- Burn ointment
- Eyewash solution
- Petroleum jelly
- Saline solution
- Sunscreen, at least SPF 15
- Sunburn ointment
Medical Supplies for Wounds
- Cotton balls
- Cotton swabs
- Disposable gloves
- Ace bandages
- Plastic bags
Miscellaneous Supplies
- Thermometer
- Eye patch
- Rectal thermometer
- Oral, ear, or forehead thermometers
- Bulb syringe
- Medicine syringes and teaspoons for measuring out doses
First Aid Kit Equipment/Tool Essentials
- Scissors (including blunt-tipped scissors for cutting gauze and adhesive tape)
- Tweezers
- A fine needle
- Blanket
- Flashlight and batteries
First Aid Kit Medication Essentials
Children catch colds or fever all the time. It is best to store different kinds of fever reducers for kids of different ages. If your doctor recommends or gives you specific medicines for your child, it has to be in one place with all your other supplies as well. Suppositories are also essential in case your child experiences vomiting.
- Antacids
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Oral electrolyte solution (Pedialyte)
- Mild laxatives
- Antihistamines
- Cold and/or flu medicines
- Cough medicine
- Prescription medications prescribed
Safety is foremost the priority in every household. However, wounds, scratches, fractures, fever, colds, and other medical issues are common in a house with children. So, it is vital for parents to store a complete comprehensive first aid kit to ensure the right medical aid is given before things come to the worst. First aid kits will lessen the risk of facing a more serious medical problem if first aid is performed properly. So, if you’re a parent of at least one little angel, keep her/him safe and maybe arm yourself with the basic first aid knowledge.
