It’s important that every family keeps a first aid kit. You need not buy an expensive specialised first aid box with all trimmings – simply use this as a checklist to ensure you have remembered to pack all the essentials.

Waterproof container
Use a large, sturdy, waterproof container with a lid as the main box in which to pack your first aid essentials.

Hardware
These items probably already exist in your home, but it is advisable to purchase “first aid hardware” especially for your first aid kit.

These include:
• A pair of sharp scissors
• Tweezers
• Hypodermic needles and plastic syringes
• Safety pins
• A hand mirror
• A lighter or box of matches
• A thermometer

Soft items
• These items include:
• Cotton wool
• Cotton-tipped ear buds
• Gauze strips
• Narrow and wide rolls of bandage
• Wet wipes
• A few pairs of latex gloves
• A box of band aids in varying sizes
• A large piece of cloth

Liquid items
• Burn ointment or aloe vera gel
• Hand sanitizer
• A small container of Vaseline
• Eye drops
• Antibiotic cream
• Analgesic cream

Medications
• Pain relief tablets: ibuprofen and paracetamol
• Sinus tablets
• Throat lozenges
• Cough syrup
• Laxative tablets
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets

Remember: Many of the items above have expiry dates, especially the liquid items and the medications. Remember to regularly check these expiry dates and to replace expired items. Also remember to keep the package inserts from medications so that you can administer the correct dosages should the need arise.

It is also wise to have a card with your doctors details on it such as their number and any medical aid details that your family may require in an emergency.

Image courtesy of: www.tridentpharm.com.sg