When the need for your first aid supplies happens, it is most likely an emergency. It is a blessing if you can stay calm and alert when emergencies come. A prepared, well-organized, and easy to access first aid supply can always be handy even to the most distressed person in times like that. Plus, first aid can ALWAYS save a life if it is given appropriately and promptly. That’s why it is essential to know how to organize first aid supplies.
This article will teach you tips and hacks on how to make your first aid storage a life-saving one. Read on!
Things To Consider On How To Organize First Aid Supplies
If you are starting from scratch, putting up your first aid supplies can be expensive and be a lot to handle. It would be nice to have a complete set, but certain things may not be necessary, especially if you are on a budget. These considerations can help you decide on what to buy first: Container, Contents, and Labels.
Container And Storage
You do not need to buy a new container for your first aid storage. You can even use food containers and other compartments. Providing the box is vital because it protects your supplies and puts them all in one place so that you can efficiently run to it in case of emergency. This is the first step on how to organize first aid supplies.
A portable one is also good to consider when you are choosing the container. It gives you mobility, especially if your patient is immobile and you have to bring the supplies to him/her. You can also get your first aid kit if you need to leave your house, for example, if the building is burning or there is a need to evacuate out of your place.
The storage should also be easy to access and located in a cool, dry place. It would be best if you do not put it in a high place. The area should also be free of clutter, so you can quickly grab it in case of need. It would also be helpful if the container is transparent so you can easily see the contents. Avoid putting it in direct sunlight to keep the medicines and adhesives from being damaged.
Contents
To prioritize what to put in your kit, you should first know who the first aid kit is for, learn the medical conditions of people involved and the activities that may need the first-aid kit. For example, if the equipment is for your home, you should know the conditions that your family members have. If no one in the family has asthma, there is no need to buy an inhaler, or at least it is not your priority.
Your first aid kit should contain compartments to hold different medicine and equipment and keep them from being just a bunch of medications.
The most common you would probably need are the following:
Equipment
You should also consider putting together things that are needed at the same time. Here are simple examples of clusters
- BP Apparatus, thermometer, flashlight
- Scissors, bandages, medical adhesive tapes, band-aids
- Elastic bandage, splints
- Cotton buds, cotton pads, cotton balls
- Ice/hot bag for cold/hot compress
Some of the most common needs for wounds, burns, insect bites
- Hydrogen peroxide, Povidone Iodine, Saline Water, alcohol
- Anti-bacterial topical ointments
- Anti-fungal ointments
- Burn ointments
- Calamine lotion
Medicines
You should prepare for medicines for common illnesses (adjust based on your housemates’ preference and needs):
- For fever and pain: Analgesics, Ibuprofen, etc
- For colds and flu
- For allergies: diphenhydramine, cetirizine
- For stomach ache and diarrhea: include solutions for hydration in case of severe diarrhea.
You always have the freedom to add other medicines based on your family’s conditions.
Labels
It is essential to label your compartments well. This is to help anyone who will use your first aid kit to find what they are looking for easily. Make sure that your labels are easy to read and understood. It will also be helpful to indicate a short guide on how to use the supplies. Small booklets for bandages and splints are also beneficial. Proper labeling is crucial on how to organize first aid supplies.
Conclusion
These are just guides and patterns that you can follow. The most critical goal of the first aid kit is that the people using it know how to find what in the fastest possible time in emergency cases. Now that you know how to organize first aid supplies, the next step is to orient the people living with you to use them. You can also practice skills such as bandaging and applying first aid on wounds. Who knows, your preparations can probably save someone’s life in the future. Learn more about first aid kits here!