First Aid Kits for the Home and CarEveryone needs first aid kits because accidents do and will happen.
The Boy Scout Handbook defines First Aid as: First Aid is the first help or immediate care given in case of injury, sickness or an accident.
That word FIRST suggests that there is more to follow.
The next aid should be given by someone who has special training for the job - a doctor.
Now I'm not going to try to teach you how to administer first aid. The majority of cases you encounter will require little more than a band-aid.
However, you need to learn how to take care of basic emergencies.
Unfortunately by the time they got to the hospital, the boy had died from loss of blood. No one thought or knew to apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. As far fetched as this sounds, I believe it. Contact your local Red Cross chapter and find out if they offer classes and take one. In fact, have the entire family enroll in the class. It could save a life.
Where to put a first aid kit or kits in the home! We keep a medium size (two inside shelves) wall mounted kit in the laundry room.
It is readily accessible to the entire family (we have no small children) and stocked to handle most situations.
We keep smaller kits in the cars and truck. These have fewer items in them (antiseptic, band-aids, bandages, medicated ointment, tweezers, etc.). The most important item in it is a book on First Aid directions. These “mobile” kits are metal or plastic boxes and have rubber seals making them weatherproof. That way, I know the contents are ready to use at a moments notice without any surprises. We keep a three-shelf kit available for the houses we rehab. As soon as work starts, the box is placed in the kitchen area for anyone to use. It never ceases to amaze me how many contractors do not carry first aid material on their vehicles. This kit contains the usual assortment of bandages, dressings, antiseptic, medicated ointment, etc. Plus, it contains aspirin, antacid, cough drops, antihistamine, eye wash, rubber gloves, tweezers, a protective airway mask, ice packs, burn relief spray and adhesive tapes. And, of course, the instruction guide with a quick reference index.
Below is a picture of the larger
Most first aid kit providers recommend the following as a good starting point, then add items as necessary for your application. 1 Plastic Strip 3/4" X 3"
There are many places. However, I have not had success in locating these items at the local big box or even the big blue store. They carry small first aid kits only. Something designed for the kitchen drawer or the trunk of your car. Look in the phone book under First Aid Supplies and if you are not successful there, check online. I found the prices are all over the place. When I checked on e-bay, I found kits issued to the first Marines in Vietnam, WWII and even the original J&J kits of the 1930’s. Not what we are looking for unless you are a collector. Weigh your choices carefully and you can find exactly what you are seeking. Another method I used in the past was I contacted a used office furniture supplier. These are the people that buy the left over material when a company goes out of business or moves. Most times when a company relocates, they buy all new material and sell what they do not want to a wholesaler. I have picked up large first aid kits for $20.00 with the expiration dates still good. Make sure the contents are what you are looking for. Mount the box in a convenient, safe location. It will be at you finger tips when you need it.
Be Safe!
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