A first aid kit a set of equipment and supplies that are used in giving medical treatment. There are different variations in the contents of the kits based on the experience and knowledge of people putting them together.
According to Dr. Raj Bradwaj, a ready-made first aid kits only serve as a basic kit and the contents can be changed for your own needs. Going for camping, hiking for the weekend, going to an inclusive resort, treatment for sunburn or frost bite, and the contents of the kit can be change for any of those things. Include in the kit something that can treat skin problems, medications for strains, sprains and general medication supplies. Avoid putting sling and scissors instead replace with a Swiss Army knife with scissors and medical tape.
For skin problems such as blisters, burns, scrapes, cuts and insect bites, add antiseptic wipes or hand sanitizers if water is not available. After cleaning the wound and if there is bleeding, add Band-Aid, gauze pads and gloves. For burns and blisters add in the kit fancy blister Band-Aids or a sheet of moleskin for prevention of blisters and large gauze pads for big wounds and secure a tape on the gauze using a medical tape. Avoid using hockey tape. For sprains and strains, avoid using chemical cold packs that can be squeeze and becomes cold for 20 minutes and they are not reusable. Use a medium-size Ziploc bag and just put some ice or cold water when needed. Avoid tensor bandages, instead put in the kit a non-stick elastic and self-adherent wrap. This wrap is good for sprains. Tensor tapes are unitools and they are bulky.
Preparing your first aid kit
Dr.Bradwaj first aid kit includes a pair of scissors, pain and allergy medications and medications for stomach problems. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen for pain medication and antihistamines for allergies whether it is Benadryl or a non-drowsy antihistamines. For nausea, a prescribed medication called Ondansetron. It is used as an anti-nausea medication for people getting chemotherapy. It is a dissolvable tablet that is placed on the tongue. For travelers’ diarrhea only a pack of PeptoBismol as long as there is no problems with the kidney, allergy on aspirin and bleeding problems. If travelling with parents, aspirin is included in the first aid kit. If travelling with children, some dosing cups and syringes and liquid medications. If there is chest pains give aspirin and in case of a heart attack, call emergency numbers.
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a first aid training class and for more information, check out these sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_aid_kit
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/first-aid-kits-treatment#1
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/first-aid-basics-and-drsabcd