7 Things Every Home First Aid Kit Should Have (But Often Doesn’t)
A first aid kit is something we all hide in a cupboard or drawer, and we don’t think about until we need it. But when the emergency occurs, be it an unexpected allergic reaction, a burn in the kitchen, or a twisted ankle or wrist. Having the right items can help tremendously. The common first aid kit has the basics gauze, antiseptic wipes, scissors, etc., but there are a number of consumable supply items that are commonly neglected that can be terrific when you have unexpected emergencies. So, here’s seven things every home first aid kit should have, but most don’t:
Antihistamines: Allergic reactions can be unpredictable; they can occur suddenly, expand rapidly, and may not always be obvious at first. Antihistamines are incredibly helpful when treating mild to moderate allergy symptoms such as itching, hives, sneezing, or swelling (from insect bites or incidental exposure from food). Antihistamines are typically used to counteract histamine, which is one of the chemicals your body releases during an allergy, and it may help stop it from getting worse. A non-drowsy antihistamine that works quickly is a good product to have in case someone has an allergy you don't expect or they don't manage very well. Liquid formulations are great for children and the tablet or dissolvable strips work well for adults. Although this can make one more cluttered, it takes so little space and may provide a lot of time and comfort before they seek additional medical attention if needed.
Eye Wash / Saline Solution: The eye is a fragile organ that may be harmed by the smallest irritation. An eyewash or saline solution is priceless when cleaning out index, sand, and chemical or soap splashings in the eye. This rinse showers away the matter that may cause an infection, calms the irritation, and protects against further injury until you can seek medical help. Unlike tap water, saline is sterile and isotonic with the fluids of the eye, so it is safe on the eye. If you have children, the single use vials provide the most cleanliness. Keeping saline solution readily available in your first aid kit means you are ready for eye accidents, which is arguably one of the most time critical injury.
Instant Cold Packs: Cold therapy is an important component of first aid treatment for minor ailments and injuries like sprains, bumps, bruises, or swelling. Ice is a popular way to apply cold therapy, but it is not always available immediately after an injury. Instant cold packs are a great alternative; just give it a squeeze to activate it to achieve instant cold without needing to refrigerate it. The cold will constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.Instant cold packs are particularly useful in sports injuries, a sudden knock or bump, or an insect bite. Instant cold packs are small, lightweight, single-use, and mess-free. They can be kept in your home and carried while travelling or enjoying outdoor activities. By having instant cold packs in your first aid kit, you have the potential to apply cold therapy in the first few pertinent minutes after the injury occurs.
Medical Tape & Adhesive Bandages (Various Sizes): Minor cuts and scrapes are common occurrences in everyday life! If you take the time to cover your cut or scrape properly, you will find that it helps prevent infection and helps it heal faster. While adhesive bandages come in many shapes and sizes, it is this assorted range of small strips, large pads and even specific shapes for the knuckles or fingertips that will help you protect cuts or scrapes of all shapes and sizes. Adhesive tape is equally important when your gauze or dressings need to be secured on agents that adhere poorly, especially sweaty skin or joints, and for making dressings an appropriate size in emergencies. Your best option in tape, in terms of protecting the skin, will be hypoallergenic tape, to reduce skin irritation from the adhesive. Having an assortment of this supply on hand prepares you to safely cover anything from a paper cut to a large scrape, and everything in between, to reduce the risk of complications.
Glucose Tablets: While many point to diabetes as the leading cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), anyone can have a hypoglycemic event due to missed meals, excessive or prolonged exercise, or illness. It can present with dizziness, sweating, shakiness, and confusion that start suddenly and can become troublesome if uninterrupted. Glucose tablets provide a safe, measured amount of fast absorbing sugar to elevate blood glucose levels quickly. Since they are engineered to absorb quickly, glucose tablets are faster and more reliable than consuming sugary snacks or foods. They are compact, shelf-stable, and fit comfortably into any first aid kit. Having glucose tablets on hand allows for sufficient response time if someone has a drop in blood sugar so fainting, or worse, can be avoided.
Heat Patch: Cold therapy is an excellent option for acute injuries while heat therapy is equally effective for relief of muscle aches, injuries, cramps, and stiffness. Heat patches provide a steady and gentle source of heat by increasing circulation, relaxing tight muscles, and relieving pain. A heat patch is ideal for back aches, neck strains, or menstrual cramps, which are common and likely responses to an insidious injury while at home. Unlike separately purchased heating pads, self-heating patches are portable, single-use products that do not require electricity, making it a safe option in an emergency or if you prefer to rest in bed.
Burn Cream or Gel: Burns are one of the most prevalent injuries seen in your kitchen. Specifically, they are often caused by hot pans, boiling water, steam, and hair styling tools that heat to high temps. Recognizing a burn and addressing the injury immediately can significantly lessen your pain and help prevent infection or a longer healing process. A burn cream or gel, particularly those containing aloe vera or lidocaine will help cool the skin, alleviate pain, and create a barrier against bacteria. Using these products after rinsing a burn with cool (not cold) water will help the burn heal more quickly. Other formulations can help cut down on scarring as well. Burns can be surprisingly painful, even though they may not seem that large. It is always a benefit to have a soothing treatment for burns in your kit to be able to go for the best response time and minimize damage.
While emergencies are unpredictable, preparation is not. In today’s world of technology and instant delivery, there is no reason to delay replenishing your essentials—keeping your first aid kit ready for when you need it the most.
(Gaurav Lekhrajani, Co-Founder, DavaNinja (Quick Medicine Delivery App)
