Having a first aid kit is a great way to ensure that you are prepared to quickly rescue various types of accidents such as stings, bumps, falls, burns and even bleeding.
Although the kit can be bought ready in pharmacies, for about 50 reais, it can also be prepared at home and adapted to the needs of each person. For example, the kit can be prepared to only rescue domestic accidents, traffic accidents or small situations when going on vacation.
Watch this video all you need to have a complete kit:
Bill of Materials Required
The contents of the first aid box can be very varied, however, basic products and materials include:
- 1 packet of 0.9% saline : to clean the wound;
- 1 antiseptic solution for wounds, such as iodinated alcohol or chlorhexidine: to disinfect wounds;
- Sterile gauze of various sizes: to cover wounds;
- 3 bandages and 1 roll of plaster : help to immobilize limbs or to hold compresses at the site of a wound;
- Disposable gloves, ideally without latex: to protect from direct contact with blood and other body fluids;
- 1 pack of cotton : facilitates the application of products at the edges of the wound;
- 1 scissors without a tip : for cutting plaster, gauze or bandages, for example;
- 1 pack bandage bandage dressing : to cover cuts and small wounds;
- 1 thermometer : to measure body temperature;
- 1 vial of lubricating eye drops : it allows to wash the eyes in case of contact with annoying substances, for example;
- Ointment for burn, like Nebacetin or Bepantol: moisturize the skin while relieving the burning of the burn;
- Paracetamol, ibuprofen or cetirizine: are generic medicines that can serve for several types of symptoms and common problem.
The kit with these materials can be used in almost all homes, schools and workplaces as it contains the materials needed to deal with the most common emergency situations in these types of environments. Learn what to do in the 8 most common types of domestic accidents.
However, the kit can still be adapted according to the needs of each situation. For example, in the case of sports, such as football or running, you can also add an anti-inflammatory or cold spray to reduce inflammation caused by muscle or joint injuries. See what to do in case of sports accidents.
When going on vacation, it is also important to include an extra carton of all medicines used. In addition, remedies for diarrhea, nausea or stomach problems, and even an ointment for insect bites may be helpful.
Choosing the Container
The first step in preparing the first aid kit is to correctly choose the container that will contain all the material. Ideally, it should be large enough but easy to carry, transparent and made of hard plastic, to allow you to quickly observe what is inside it and also protect the materials from damage.
However, any purse or box may be used, provided it is properly marked on the outside with letters indicating "First Aid kit", or a red cross, so that anyone can identify the correct container during emergency situations.
Keeping the Kit Updated
While placing all materials inside the container it is advisable to list the quantity and expiration date of each component. In this way, it is easier to ensure that all material is replaced as soon as it is used, as well as to assess if there is any product that needs to be replaced because it is out of time.
