Safety Month: First Aid Kit

June 10, 2024

June is National Safety Month, and to participate in that theme, we are running a blog series about safety.  Last week we highlighted the importance of home safety and security.  You can find that blog here: Home Safety and Security – Sisters’ Hope Foundation (sistershopefoundation.org)

Despite our best efforts to make our home safe and secure, accidents can, and probably will happen.  So, this week, we’re going to be talking about what supplies to keep stocked to handle accidents with confidence.  Whether you are a parent with kids (we all know how accident prone they are), an adult that likes to dabble in home projects (watch out for those sharp blades and ladders), or someone caring for a disabled loved one (falls do happen), having a good first aid kit on hand is a great idea.

First aid kits can be purchased at most supercenters like Walmart and you can find them online at Amazon.  I like this one: https://a.co/d/2TNmSwS

But, if you’re like me, I like to make my first aid kit a little more personal.  Based on Red Cross Recommendations, plus some common sense, this is what I would suggest when building out a first aid kit.

  • Container – See through, light-weight, carrying handle

  • 2 pairs latex free, disposable gloves

  • 8 sterile pads (4×4), to control bleeding

  • 4 roller bandages (2,3,4 in. X 4 yds.), to secure dressing

  • 1 roll adhesive tape (⅜ in x 2.5 yds.)

  • 2 triangular bandages (40x40x56 in), can be used as arm sling, head covering, or splinting

  • Latex free bandages

    • 1 x 3

    • ¾ x 3

    • Large fingertip

    • Knuckle

    • Butterfly

  • Topical wound gel (10 packets)

  • 2 instacold packs

  • 4 low dose aspirin (81 mg. each)

  • 2 Oral glucose tablets

  • 1 pair scissors (7 in.)

  • Saline solution, to cleanse wound

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Tweezers

  • Face shield/mask

  • Thermometer

  • Blood pressure monitor

  • Pulse/xygen monitor

  • OTC pain reliever

  • Hydrocortisone cream, itch relief

  • First aid guide book

Once you have it stocked, keep it in a place that is easily and quickly accessible.  Finally, check the contents regularly and replace any used or expired items.  Happy First Kit Building!  May you never need to use it, but if you do, may it serve you well!