vendredi 12 juin 2015

How To Prepare A First Aid Survival Kit

By April Briggs


Having the proper supplies in the event of a natural disaster or any type of emergency can mean the difference between a positive outcome and a needless tragedy. Whether dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake, a car accident, or some other emergency, seconds count. A properly stocked first aid survival kit can save lives.

Every household should have a least one first aid kit and ideally, one for each floor of the house. This ensures the supplies are readily available and saves precious time retrieving one from a different location. Everyone in the home should know exactly where it is and how to use its contents.

All kits should include a well-written first aid manual. The situation can get quickly out of control during an emergency. Even if you think you know what to do, it is easy to be distracted by the chaos around you. Having a good manual to refer to during this time keeps you focused.

Include a good assortment of adhesive bandages in various sizes and shapes. These are helpful for treating minor scrapes and small cuts. Replace any bandages with torn packaging to avoid introducing bacteria to an open wound.

Kits should have adhesive tape, sterile pads, and gauze in rolls. You will need these items if you have to dress a large wound. Make sure to add scissors to the list of supplies, so you can quickly cut gauze, clothing, or tape.

Muscle strains and sprains are common in emergencies. Include a disposable cold compress and an ace bandage to control inflammation after a muscle, tendon, or joint injury. A couple of triangular bandages are necessary for when you need to create an arm sling.

You can avoid spreading infection when treating someone with injuries by including a couple pairs of nonlatex gloves. Wearing gloves offers protection for the injured person as well as the person treating him or her. Have some antibiotic ointment and disposable antiseptic wipes to clean debris and bacteria from open wounds before applying bandages.

Include any other compact items that may be useful in an emergency. Kits should have tweezers, matches, an oral thermometer, and a flashlight with multiple changes of batteries. Do not forget to test the flashlight from time to time and change the batteries as needed. Add an emergency blanket, sometimes called a space blanket. This compact and lightweight item may be necessary if you need a way to keep an injured person warm.

Many online retailers, local drug stores, and variety outlets offer first aid kits for sale. You can buy kits or create your own by filling up a backpack or large plastic storage bin. Regardless of what you decide, you should add any items to meet your family's specific needs. Someone who suffers from severe allergic reactions can benefit from having epinephrine auto injectors in your kit. Other members of your family may require prescription medication to manage certain health problems. Set a time to inspect the contents twice per year to ensure medications are not past their expiration dates and to test the batteries in the flashlight.




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