Wednesday, August 09, 2017 7:56 AM
Injuries can happen anywhere, which is why it is a good idea to have a first aid kit always available. At home the best place to keep the kit is in the kitchen – since this is often a gathering place – as well as where many injuries occur. It is not a good idea to keep your home kit in the bathroom due to the amount of humidity, as many medications are recommended to keep at room temperature. While traveling, the best bet is to keep the kit in a suitcase or a backpack for easy transportation. Other great places to keep kits are in your car, boat, RV or camper.
While commercial kits are largely available, it is easy to make your own custom kit. A NorthShore Emergency Medicine doctor, suggests that kit contents include:
- Absorbent compress dressings
- Assorted sizes of adhesive bandages
- Adhesive cloth tape
- Antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin
- Antiseptic wipe packets
- Pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Instant cold compress
- Non-latex gloves
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Scissors
- Roller bandages
- Sterile gauze pads, assorted sizes
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
- Triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- First aid instruction booklet
- Personal items, such as prescribed medication and emergency contact numbers
Whatever you keep in your first aid kit, make sure to check expiration dates frequently and replace items as needed. Make sure everyone in your house who is old enough understands the usage of a first aid kit and knows where to find it.
What are some of the necessities you keep in your first aid kit?
FAQs
Storing your first aid kit
Keep the first aid kit in a dry, cool location. Make sure the first aid kit is easily accessible and that everyone in the family knows where it is. Some items, such as solutions, may have use-by dates. Check regularly and replace when necessary.
Where is the best place to keep a first aid box? ›
Keep a first aid kit with essential supplies in the kitchen. Garage: You might get cut or burned while working on vehicle maintenance or a hobby. Keep a first aid kit in your garage in a place where you'll be able to get to it easily in an emergency. Mounting a first aid cabinet on a wall is an excellent idea.
Where is the best place to store first aid? ›
Keep first aid kits in easily accessible and well-known locations, such as the kitchen or reception area.
Where is the best place to keep a first aid kit at home? ›
Pack and use barrier items such as latex gloves to protect you from bodily fluids of others. Check the kit twice a year and replace expired medications. The National Poison Control Center phone number in the U.S. is 1-800-222-1222. The best place to keep your first aid kit is in the kitchen.
Where should a first aid kit be placed? ›
First aid kits should be strategically placed in areas where they are easily visible and accessible to all employees. Common locations include break rooms, employee gathering areas, or near high-risk work zones.
Where are the ideal locations for first aid kit? ›
At Home: Store the First Aid Kit in a central and easily accessible location, away from the reach of young children. The kitchen, hall or bathroom cabinet or a designated drawer can be suitable places. At work: make sure the First Aid Kit is clearly labeled and easily accessible to all employees in the office.
Which two items should not be kept in a first aid box? ›
It is recommended that tablets and medicines should not be kept in the first-aid box.
What is not allowed in a first aid box? ›
What is not allowed in a first aid kit? Your first aid box shouldn't contain any items that are out of date or no longer in a state to be used, e.g. they're no longer sterile or have become soiled or damp for whatever reason. First aid kits shouldn't contain any types of tablets or medication either.
Where should I store my savings first aid kit? ›
A savings account at a bank or credit union is a secure place to store your savings first aid kit.
How do you organize first aid? ›
How to Organize Your First Aid Kit – Medicine Cabinet Checklist
- Store at the right place. ...
- Check for expiration dates and age specifications. ...
- Make sure you have the right bandages and products for first aid. ...
- Assemble a 'to-go-set' ...
- List down emergency numbers.
First aid kits should be kept in a prominent, accessible location and able to be retrieved promptly in the event of a serious injury or illness. The kit should be identifiable with a white cross on green background prominently displayed on the outside.
Where can a first aid kit typically be found? ›
First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. Your local drug store may sell them. You can also make your own. Some kits are designed for specific activities, such as hiking, camping or boating.
What should you not keep in a first aid kit and why? ›
A first-aid kit is a collection of medical supplies used to treat patients. Many people wonder what should be excluded from a first aid kit. It is not recommended to keep medicine or sharp objects without the approval of medical professionals. Take care of this when you are getting your pack ready.
What are the OSHA requirements for first aid kits? ›
Appendix A to § 1910.266 - First-Aid Kits (Mandatory)
- Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches).
- Two large gauze pads (at least 8 x 10 inches).
- Box adhesive bandages (band-aids).
- One package gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide.
- Two triangular bandages.
- Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes.
- Scissors.
Always put your contents in a waterproof box/pouch/case that is easily visible. Mark it with a big red '+' sign so that it will be easy to spot. Keep it in your glove box where it'll be easily accessible. First-aid instruction manual.
