Essential Items for Your First Aid Box

We all know that accidents around the house are a common occurrence – particularly if there’s a lot of DIY going on. Yet, when it comes to first aid and medical supplies, we hardly ever seem ready for accidents until they happen. Makeshift band aids around the house are a common sight – but when it comes to helping small wounds heal and keeping them clean, they’re not ideal. It’s always best to ensure you have a fully stocked first aid box in your house, so you’re ready should something unfortunate occur.

Before doing your weekly shop at the supermarket, it’s customary to walk around and check what you need to stock your fridge and kitchen cupboards, as well as your bathroom. So why not check your first aid box too, to see if there’s anything you need to keep it fully stocked?

Here are some essential items which should be in every household first aid box (and if they aren’t, make a note to pick them up the next time you go out!):

Plasters

Whether we’re doing a little maintenance with some sharp tools, or playing chef in the kitchen, it’s always best to be ready should we suffer any small cuts or nicks – and that means having an assortment of plasters on standby, of different shapes and sizes, to keep any small cuts covered.

Bandage and Tape

If you’ve suffered an injury and been sent home from the hospital with a dressing, your nurse or doctor may suggest changing the bandage every so often to keep the area clean. Be prepared, and ensure you have enough bandage and tape in your home to do so.

Disposable Gloves

For hygiene and safety reasons, it’s always essential to have a pair of these available, so that the person applying the plaster or dressing to a wounded individual can do so safely and hygienically.

Alcohol Wipes

Used with caution, these are great for sterilising areas of skin prior to applying a plaster or dressing. Be careful not to further upset the wound or injury when applying them.

Remember, for deep or large cuts, or more serious injuries, you should always seek medical attention at your nearest hospital.

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