3 Ways To Prepare for Injury: Where To Get a First Aid Kit
Injuries and illnesses kill 2.2 million people per year worldwide. Approximately 59% of those deaths could have been prevented with first aid care. Unfortunately, few people have the skills and supplies that can save a life in an emergency.
The best way to prevent deaths from injuries is to be prepared before the injuries happen. With the right know-how, it’s easy to source the supplies you need to save a life.
Do you want to get prepared for emergencies? Keep reading — we’ll explain the three crucial steps to choosing and purchasing the first aid kit that you need to stay safe and helping you find where to get a first aid kit.
1. Choose the First Aid Kit You Need
First aid kits come in all shapes and sizes, from all-purpose portable first aid kits to fully stocked industrial ones.
Standard kits include basic supplies such as:
- Adhesive bandages
- Absorbent dressings
- Compression wraps
- Adhesive tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic Wipes
- A breathing barrier with a one-way valve (for administering CPR)
- Non-latex gloves
- First aid shears or scissors
- Topical burn treatment
- Bleeding control powder
- Tweezers
- A first aid emergency guide
These supplies prepare you to treat the most common injuries at home and work. However, you may want to choose an additional kit (or add additional supplies to your kit) if you are expecting other injuries.
Baby First Aid Kits
Babies are prone to different emergencies and injuries than adults. From baby fevers and teething to more serious injuries, parents want to be prepared to give first aid to their infants.
A baby first aid kit is designed with infants and children in mind. It includes basic first aid supplies as well as:
- A rectal baby thermometer (for a quick and accurate temperature)
- A nasal aspirator (to clear mucus from a baby’s airway)
- Baby-safe acetaminophen for fevers
- Diphenhydramine for allergic reactions
- Baby nail clippers and hairbrush
If you have (or are planning to have) young ones in your house, many of the standard first aid items won’t be ideal for treating their injuries. Purchase an additional baby first aid kit to keep in the baby’s room.
2. Buy the Right First Aid Kit For You
When it comes to first aid kits, there are options for every need. With so many options out there, how can you figure out which one you need and where to get a first aid kit?
First, remember that more isn’t always better. If your first aid kit contains more products and items than you need, it will slow you down in an emergency. Some kits come stuffed with non-emergency products like hand lotion and lip moisturizer.
Extra products that don’t help you treat an injury will only frustrate you when one happens. Instead of fumbling through an overstuffed first aid kit, buy a kit that only includes the things that matter to you. Use a first aid kit inventory worksheet to identify the items that you’ll need.
You can choose a standard first aid kit, or you can buy one that’s personalized to your needs. You can even add extras like:
- Insect bite and sting supplies
- Eye pads
- Pain relief products
- Eye wash and cups
Second, don’t compromise on quality. First aid kits come in a range of prices, but you will get what you pay for.
You don’t want your kit to let you down when you need it the most. Whether you’re buying a personal kit or an industrial one, source your kit from a reputable supplier.
3. Keep Your First Aid Kit Handy
One of the most common first aid mistakes is failing to keep your first aid kit handy. Many first aid kits get pushed to the back of the cupboard or another inaccessible location. This makes them hard to find and get to in an emergency.
Injuries have better outcomes when first-aid care is given quickly, so cut down on confusion and stress when an injury happens by keeping your kit close by. Both at home and at work, your kit should be visible or within easy reach.
The best place to keep your first aid kit at home is in the kitchen. It’s a central location in the house, and it’s usually easy to get to. Additionally, many injuries happen in the kitchen, so it’s a convenient place to store your kit.
Contrary to popular belief, the bathroom isn’t a good place to store your first aid kit. Even though many accidents take place in the bathroom, it’s usually it harder to reach from other places in the house. In addition, bathroom humidity can damage your first aid bandages as well.
First Aid Kits On the Go
Three million Americans are injured in car accidents every year, so don’t forget about a first aid kit for the car. You can keep it in the trunk, just make sure not to bury it under other belongings.
Accidents are also common on boats and other vehicles, so keep your kit visible there as well. When traveling, keep your kit in the outer pocket of your bag or backpack, so that you can reach it as quickly as possible.
Be Prepared for Any Injury
No one likes to think about injuries, but they can happen at home, at work, or on the road. The best way to minimize the damage that injuries cause is by being prepared ahead of time. With these tips, you’ll be able to source the best first aid supplies so that your first aid kit is always ready for action.
Are you ready to get prepared for an injury? Contact us today to design your custom first aid kit.