The health and safety of you and your family should be a priority, and this means keeping your home stocked with the medications or equipment you need to handle an emergency. While you may have a fire extinguisher on hand, you should also keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your home. You may want to look into medical equipment Cleveland OH retailers carry, but you may also find many items at a local drug store.
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Bandages and Dressings
It is recommended that you keep several types and sizes of wound bandages in your first aid kit. Have at least two absorbent compress dressings that cover a five-by-nine area and have at least 25 assorted adhesive bandages in your kit. You should also have medical adhesive tape to secure large bandages. You may also want to carry a roll of sports bandage material for things like sprains or strains. Sterile gauze pads and a roll of gauze are also good to include.
Medications and Cleansers
While you may have some of these medications in your cabinet or vanity already, having a supply in the first aid kit ensures you are always prepared. Keep a tube or several individual packets of antibiotic ointment, as well as several antiseptic wipes or a bottle of the solutions. Make sure to have aspirin, anti-inflammatory pills and an antihistamine in the case. Have hydrocortisone ointment and hydrogen peroxide.
Care and Comfort
Even if you plan to keep the first aid kit in the home, be sure to consider potential care and comfort measures. An instant cold compress, an emergency blanket, oral thermometer, tweezers and gloves are all items that belong in your kit.
To ensure you know how to use the different items you collected, purchase an emergency first aid guide. While dialing 911 is best for emergencies, you may find your first aid kit beneficial when you’re waiting on medical attention.