One of the main rescue tools that everyone uses to help with injuries is a first aid kit. Whether it's in your home, at your work or even places that you go play, first aid kits are located everywhere. However, there are some places that have yet to buy their own. This guide will help you go over the important reason why it's necessary to have a first aid kit in all of these locations as well as key components in a first aid kit.

What is a first aid kit?




A first aid kit is a collection of supplies, tools and equipment that are used in first aid. These can either be bought all put together pre-assembled or created by hand, with each component bought separately. Early first aid kits included items on helping remove snake venom from bites and even mercurochrome, which is no longer used in the United States due to its mercury ingredient. Luckily, first aid kits are much more simple in our age and can have a wide range of tools that can help a common person apply medical attention to someone in need.

Why buy store bought?



• A store bought kit comes with a big selection of the essentials.
• Adhesive bandages, antibiotic cream, and antiseptic wipes are some of the most common items you'll find in a store bought kit.
• If you decide to buy your own, know that you are only buying the essentials.
• Most first aid kits have small rations that treat minor cuts and scrapes.
• If you just want something basic that you can keep in your desk at work or in the glove compartment of your car, then this might be just for you.

The homemade route



• More options are available for a homemade kit like pain relievers and ice packs.
• For a family member that needs constant medical attention you can include items like face shields, gloves, a thermometer, and space blankets.
• The items above can sometimes be included in more advanced store bought kits.
• If you want to have the luxury of knowing what's included in your kit and having the control over what you have at your disposal when the worst happens, then consider making your own homemade kit.

Items to place in your own first aid kit:



• Adhesive bandages – for simple cuts and scrapes, in various sizes
• Butterfly bandages – used to hold the edges of a cut together to allow it to heal
• Individually wrapped gauze packages – to control bleeding and prevent contamination
• Hypoallergenic adhesive tape – to hold a dressing or splint in place
• Chemical ice packs – ones that can be broken and have instant cold relief
• First aid handbook – in the event you aren't sure how to treat an injury

Hot tip: You can also have medications in your first aid kit that can help with injuries that aren't topical:
• Pain reliever – such as such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofenor naproxen sodium which can be used for relief of headaches, muscle aches and joint pain
• Fever reducer – acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen
• Decongestant or cough medicine
• Stomach medication – these can be used to treat or prevent indigestion, heartburn or upset stomach
• Antihistamine – For allergic reactions and itching
• Antidiarrheal
• Eye drops

For all other injuries that require more than a first aid kit to heal, call your doctor immediately to prevent any lasting harm. If you are in the life saving business, such as a lifeguard, it's always a good idea to make sure that you have a first aid kit plus every other remedy to help with the situation. This can help not only with minor injuries but can also be the key to saving someone's life. As always, stay safe and make sure you're exercising with confidence!

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