A first aid kit is an essential set of items for injuries or illnesses. Many people have portable first aid kits in easily accessible locations, such as at home, in the car and at work. Lifework Education offers first aid certification courses to teach you how to make a first aid kit at home and use the essential items inside.
Essential Components of a First Aid Kit
A first aid kit includes items that can be used for immediate treatment. A basic first aid supply list includes:
- Basic supplies: You will want to add disinfectant, several band-aids, gauze pads and adhesive tape to your kit to treat and cover open wounds.
- Tools: Scissors, tweezers and safety pins are useful for cutting supplies, pulling splinters and securing wraps.
- Medications: Collect a few over-the-counter medications — such as pain relievers, antihistamines and antiseptic wipes — to store in your first aid kit.
- Specialty items: A first aid kit will also vary in specialty items depending on where it is located, including a thermometer, instant cold packs and CPR masks.
Customizing Your First Aid Kit
Once you have several of the basic items, you can create a first aid kit based on personal needs. What you add can look different based on the location you are putting the kit. For example, a first aid kit can vary for the following people or situations:
- Families: Your family may require specific first aid needs, especially if a family member has allergies or a medical condition. EpiPens, inhalers and extra doses of daily medication are good to have on hand. If you have children, be sure to include child-specific items, including children's pain relievers or extra diapers.
- Outdoor enthusiasts: If you prefer the great outdoors, your first aid priorities could be slightly different from those of the average kit. Add helpful items for outdoor needs, including insect repellent, sunscreen and snake bite kits.
- Pets: Our furry friends are often too curious for their own good, getting them into something they shouldn't. Your first aid kit can include pet-specific bandages and medications for emergencies.
- Coworkers: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has workplace requirements for a first aid kit. While the basic supplies remain the same, your industry may have special items to include.
Organizing Your First Aid Kit
While your kit contains everything you'd need, every second counts in an emergency. Categorize the items in a secure container for easy access, with the most needed on top. Combine all similar supplies into labeled compartments and bags for quick identification.
It's also important to regularly check your first aid kit's inventory — at least annually. You will want to make sure you have enough of everything and ensure nothing is expired. It could help to keep an inventory checklist to know the items you own and what you need to restock.
Where to Store Your First Aid Kit
Wherever you store your first aid kit, you want to be sure you can easily access it in emergencies. Here are some ideal locations:
- At home: Place your home first aid kit in a central location, such as a cabinet, hall closet or drawer. Make sure it is out of reach for children and pets but easily visible to everyone in the house.
- At work: The first aid kit in your office should be clearly labeled and accessible for all employees. Common locations include break rooms, high-risk work zones and gathering areas.
- In the car: Compact first aid kits for when you are on the go can easily fit in the glove compartment. Larger or backup kits can go in the trunk.
- In a backpack: Outdoor enthusiasts or students should carry a compact first aid kit in their backpack. Place it in a pocket that is easily accessible without having to dig around.
Importance of First Aid Training
You can receive first aid training to properly use the items in the kit. Training can:
- Save lives: Applying the correct procedures and care in emergencies can reduce the severity of injury or illness and stabilize patients until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive.
- Provide confidence: Receiving first aid training can help individuals feel confident in their ability to provide care in emergencies.
- Create a safer environment: Whether at work, home or in the wilderness, taking first aid training creates a safer environment and peace of mind in the event of an emergency.
Schedule First Aid Training With Lifework Education
A well-stocked first aid kit can save a life. Lifework Education offers first aid training and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instruction. Together, we will discuss what a proper first aid kit looks like and how to use the items.
You can book first aid training for yourself or your whole workplace. Sign up for a class today.