Whether it’s a box, a drawer, a shelf, or a cupboard, most families have a space where they keep medicines and first aid products. But, often, these are a collection of random items accumulated over the years. And while this might be fine for the occasional headache, cut finger or sore throat, if a family member had a more serious injury or illness, you might want something a little more organised. That’s why it pays to create a family medicine box or first aid kit containing all the essentials.
How to store
It’s important to store medicines correctly. Choose a place that adults can easily access in a hurry but that’s out of reach for younger children. Make sure medicines are stored at the correct temperature. Most will need cool and dry conditions but some may need to be stored in the refrigerator so always check labels.
What to include
Deciding what to include in your first aid kit will depend largely on your own family and any recurring illnesses or health conditions you might have to deal with. For example, if you don’t have any particular health needs, your first aid kit might contain just the basic essentials. However, if you have a child with an allergy or if you live in a country where insect bites are commonplace, you might want to keep a supply of medicines that are regularly used.
A basic first aid kit would contain the following items:
- Plasters in a variety of sizes
- Bandages to support injured limbs or to apply pressure to larger cuts while you seek medical treatment
- Antiseptic ointment for small cuts and minor burns
- Painkillers – although always check the expiry date and instructions for use before administering
- A thermometer for checking children’s temperatures
- Eyewash solution for removing grit or dirt from eyes
- Medical tape to stick dressings to the skin. Medical tape is also useful for strapping an injured finger to its neighbour to create a temporary splint until medical attention is available
- Tweezers for removing ticks or stings. It’s a good idea to research the correct way to remove ticks and insect stings so that you know the correct procedure in advance, rather than struggling in an emergency situation.
When to replenish
It’s important to check your first aid kit and medicine box regularly. Many medicines have an expiry date so always replace medicines as needed.
It’s also useful to include accessories such as safety pins, cotton wool and disposable gloves in your kit. A list of emergency contact numbers, plus a list of local pharmacies, could also be handy when you need to find them in a hurry.
Having a well-stocked first aid kit or medicine cabinet is just one step in maintaining your family’s health and safety. If you have young children or people with particular health risks, you might also find it beneficial to take part in a first aid course so that you will be well prepared in an emergency. Always follow your doctor’s guidance when choosing medicines for your family.