First Aid Kit Essentials

Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in the home AND in the car.

Both kits should have an ‘over’ supply of “character or simply bright coloured” waterproof Band-Aids in there, they’re great distraction therapy and will have the child focusing on something other than the injury.

In the kits have a list of emergency numbers and any allergies/ medical conditions your family has. If possible laminate the sheet so it’s reasonably waterproof.

Nappy bags are an extra must have in first aid kits, for any rubbish removal and for when people are feeling like they may throw-up.

Large burn sheets and dressings are a must, though if you or the person you’re treating are burnt, instantly cool the burn with gently flowing cold water first for up to 20 minutes – of if it’s a child, for a long as is possible. And if required you will need to cover and protect the burnt area with this non- stick dressing.

If in doubt call an ambulance ‘000’ or 112 on a mobile phone.

Ice packs are a great must have and ‘no’ you don’t require a freezer to use them. Chemical ice packs are great to use on the go and important for many bumps, bites and little accidents kids have (BUT don’t forget to wrap the ice pack first to protect the skin, use a sock if you need to if no other material is available!)

Tweezers and a splinter kit are also very helpful for minor stings and injuries that kids seem to have while playing outdoors.

A red coloured bandage or clean red cloth to help control any major blood loss is important to overcome the tears associated with some nasty falls.

Finally, it’s never too early to teach the kids how to ring “000” – start from an early age and have them recite their address too, many children can be very helpful in time of need.

111 Comments

- - sisterhood27 said
  - 25 Apr 2014
    11:58 am
Many thanks for a very informative article I do only have a first aid kit for the car but now I will make sure I will now do one for the home

- - rachkap said
  - 25 Apr 2014
    2:39 am
Some really good safety tips here!

- - chitta said
  - 24 Apr 2014
    6:57 pm
Must have essential item in our kit is Icepacks…seems like they are the number one thing used

- - maureen3 said
  - 24 Apr 2014
    5:23 pm
A very important article thanks for sharing

- - SassaRMum said
  - 24 Apr 2014
    2:39 pm
Thanks for the information you have supplied about this article. Very interesting.

- - maureen3 said
  - 23 Apr 2014
    4:38 pm
An interesting and indormative article

- - mouse said
  - 23 Apr 2014
    1:24 pm
these are an imperative item to have in home and car

- - haldem337 said
  - 23 Apr 2014
    10:55 am
There are usually some great kits for sale of fairly cheap on grocery run and catch of the day. I also love the aldi bandaids for kids

- - kazon said
  - 23 Apr 2014
    10:34 am
great tips. I just keep the standard store bought kits in my car and home. It’s better than nothing but adding colours and pictured bandages will definitely help when dealing with kids. Make sure you re-stock anything that has been used and check if anything in your kit expires and may need to be replaced

- - mumzee said
  - 23 Apr 2014
    10:25 am
I didn’t know you had to call 112 on a mobile – thank you, that could be life saving one day.

- - eestigirl said
  - 23 Apr 2014
    8:04 am
So helpful! Nappy bags are a great tip. Too easy! Saving the emergency number for mobiles on my phone. What happens if we dial 000 from a mobile?

- - deangunna said
  - 22 Apr 2014
    11:12 pm
Didnt know about the chemical ice packs thanks

- - kylesnova said
  - 22 Apr 2014
    9:42 pm
We keep a first aid kit in the car and a couple of smaller sized kits in the house. I also pack travel ones when we go away. Nothing like over kill. :-/

- - christial said
  - 22 Apr 2014
    9:18 pm
Oh I feel guilty for not hanging a first aid kit in the car now! Must get one ASAP! And chemical ice packs are such a great idea!

- - kittensama said
  - 22 Apr 2014
    8:55 pm
I’d suggest baking soda instead of tweezers and splinter removal tools, less invasive.

- - somethingblue said
  - 22 Apr 2014
    8:17 pm
I need to start teaching my son our address and how to call 000. Thanks for the help.

- - rhino333 said
  - 22 Apr 2014
    5:51 pm
i really need to invest in some good first aid kits for home and car

- - shazzbot said
  - 22 Apr 2014
    3:43 pm
I also was unaware of the 112 mobile number. We keep a first aid kit in the family car, company car, our house and shed. I am always a bit nervous of snakes and little accidents, so we like to be prepared.

- - meedee said
  - 22 Apr 2014
    2:58 pm
Well call me slow…i had no idea about the 112 mobile phone number.

I must admit that i wish there was a set emergency number worldwide.

- - maryphilip said
  - 22 Apr 2014
    2:19 pm
This is a timely reminder articles. I do have one in the car and one in the house but haven’t checked them for a long time. This will be my to do list for this weekend.