There are a lot of advantages to having a proper first kit for the workplace and for the home, rather than having some things scattered around making them slower to get to when they are needed. It gives you peace of mind in both places so you know whether something big happens in terms of a medical emergency or something minor like a small injury you have what is needed to handle it. This is not just for your own health and safety. A first aid kit means you can help other people, colleagues at work and family at home, or even have something to draw upon should something happen to someone nearby like a neighbour having a heart attack. To go along with that first aid box should be some first aid training.

First aid training is important

Even if you are not in charge of the first aid kit at work and are just looking at a first aid kit for home, it is a great idea to get proper training. It is a chance to know how to properly use things, what situations call for what action, when to use life-saving techniques, how to use a home defibrillator, and a lot more. You can get training from various organisations like the Red Cross, and many health organisations or places like your local hospital might offer them too. For work, they would be something the owner or manager of the business would find and organise.

A handy checklist for a first aid box

While you can buy them ready-made it is more expensive that way and you can make them yourself. Included in a home or first aid kit for workplace should be items such as;

  • Medical tape
  • Gauze rolls and squares
  • Scissors
  • Bandages
  • Antiseptic wash and cream
  • Antibiotic cream
  • Allergy medication
  • Thermometer
  • Safety pins
  • Plasters
  • Cotton swabs and balls
  • Hot and cold packs
  • Treatment for bee stings
  • Gloves
  • Masks
  • Sunburn cream
  • Sterile water
  • Nail clippers
  • Pain and fever medication

For certain situations it might be necessary to have more specific items such as trauma shears for cutting things like denim, leather or seat belts, surgical suture needles, ethicon sutures, and so on, and people need training in using these things. At home, you might also include important medications some members of the family are on. An EpiPen, an asthma pump and so on.

Conclusion

It makes sense to have a first aid kit in the places where you spend most of your time. At work, in the car and a first aid kit for home are the main three places people should have one. You could have a smaller one for when you travel, or something more specific for when you go camping. It makes sense to have a mini kit with you in a handbag when you are out, especially if you have children with you. Parents know how often their children get themselves into some kind of situation that leads to an injury and some tears!

Author's Bio: 

This Article Penned by Lora Davis.