Every home, office and car needs a first aid kit--even your pet needs one. Accidents happen and an easy-to-use kit of goodies that can help you in case of a minor injury can save lots of bumps and bruises from becoming more serious till you get to a doctor.
The Red Cross recommends these basic ingredients for any first aid kit: bandages and gauze, adhesive tape, a flashlight, aspirin, latex gloves, scissors, a thermometer, tweezers, and a blanket. A tackle box is a great container for all you need.
For seniors, some preparation and some additional items are a good idea.
Whether you buy a kit or assemble one yourself, familiarize yourself with how to open and use all the supplies. Many kits include digital thermometers, blood pressure machines, and even cardiac defibrillators. In an emergency, you need to be comfortable that you can quickly set up and use all the equipment plus read findings. Be sure the display on even the simplest of the devices is readable. If not, include a magnifying glass in the kit or shop for a different device that has large letters and numbers you can see in a hurry.
Almost all kits include such items as bandage scissors and tape. Be sure you can use the scissors, that the handle accommodates your fingers. Try cutting paper with the scissors; if you cannot cut a straight line easily, replace them with some that have larger handles. Tearing tape is hard, especially tape made with a fabric foundation like adhesive tape. Paper tape is available and might be easier to use.
Be sure to include emergency supplies of all your medications. Of course, this means you will have to watch the expiration dates and replace old supplies with fresh ones as needed. One idea is to check your first aid kit each year on the same date as you replace batteries in your smoke detector. Many people check twice per year on the same day daylight savings time changes. If your area doesn't recognize daylight savings time, set up a review of your first aid kit on each birthday.
Include a short list of medical facts about yourself. List any allergies, your physician's name and phone number, and any information about illnesses you have which will be important for someone to know in an emergency. You might also consider adding an extra pair of eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, or oxygen if your daily routine requires use of these things.
You may also wish to add a prepaid cell phone in the kit. If your power goes out and you do not typically carry a cell phone, this is one time you might be glad you have one. Be sure you can use the keypad and see the screen easily.
A first aid kit is essential in any household. First aid kits are meant to help you manage bumps and bruises by placing all you might need in one convenient place. Be sure all who live in your house can easily reach and use your kit.
