A first aid kit is essential for home and car use. You can assemble your own kit by collecting assorted supplies and placing them in a plastic shoebox or other container. If you are the ultra-organized type however, you might want to look into the variety of first aid bags on the market today. These first aid bags were originally manufactured for early response teams, but are now available in individual sizes for use in the home.
The really attractive feature of these first aid bags is the ease with which you can find items quickly. Instead of the jumble of a typical box, these first aid bags are set up in a binder style, with supplies contained in individual compartments of “pages”. There is a wide variety of sizes, shapes and uses for these first aid bags – from the smallest for the car and bicycle, to the larger sizes that are handy for camping and marine use. The kits are fully stocked, and you can buy refills as supplies are used.
What Is Included?
Depending on the style of first aid bag that you choose, everything is included! Even the smallest size contains supplies for almost any kind of cut or abrasion, pain and fever medications and a first aid manual. The larger kits include tools such as tweezers, scissors and thermometers, as well as burn treatments and hot and cold packs.
Because the first aid bags are stocked in such a compact manner, you can fit a plentiful supply into a smaller space. How convenient for fitting under car seats and into backpacks! You can also buy first aid bags designed specifically for the outdoors, which are perfect take-alongs for hiking and camping. There are also kits created for household use and smaller kits for car and office. Since the first aid bags are fairly inexpensive, it is a wise idea to keep a bag wherever you or your family might be spending a significant amount of time.
All first aid kits should be stocked with the essentials: plenty of bandages of assorted sizes and shapes, and antibiotic ointment for cuts and abrasions. A thermometer and tweezers are always good to have on hand, and anti-itch cream and hot/cold compresses also come in very handy. Medications should include pain relievers, decongestants, antihistamines and stomach medications. Of course, a first aid manual is also an essential. Being prepared for an emergency, by having a first aid bag easily accessible, can help keep your family safe while they are enjoying activities together.
