Accidents happen, and when they do, you should be prepared. A first aid kit with a variety of supplies can be a life-saver. The following are medical emergencies that may require treatment with the contents of a first aid kit.
Cuts
A cut can be quite deep and it is important to stop the bleeding. Many people cut themselves while using knives to prepare food. A first aid kit containing gauze for bandages and tape to secure the bandage can be very helpful. If the cut is really deep, a trip to the emergency room may be required for stitches, but in the meantime bandaging it will keep you from losing too much blood.
Burns
Burns are one of the most common injuries among adults and children. A burn from a stove or heating appliance can be very painful. Depending on the severity, a trip to the emergency room may be required. However, a first aid kit can help. Covering the burn with non-stick bandages will keep it clean. Compresses are also beneficial for cooling the burn. Ointments are not recommended because they can cause infection.
Breathing Complications
If someone stops breathing, especially if it is someone you do not know, you may need to perform CPR. A breathing barrier should be part of your first aid kit. This will help protect you from any communicable disease. It is also beneficial for protecting you from viruses and bacteria.
Finger Amputations
Although you may not realize it fingers that get crushed in car doors, windows, and other doors can be very serious injuries. Amputations of fingers are often the result of being crushed in doors. A cold pack from your first aid kit can reduce swelling and pain. The finger should not be wrapped tightly because this can restrict blood flow and reduce the amount of oxygen causing more damage.
Falls
Falls can result in a number of injuries from broken bones to concussions, contusions, and unconsciousness. There are several items in a first aid kit that will be handy for this type of emergency. Triangular bandages can be used for arm slings or for wrapping an injury. Gauze pads, adhesive tape, elastic bandages, and antiseptic are all helpful depending on the injury.
Poisoning
Accidental poisoning happens more often than you may realize. It is especially prevalent among young children. Since children are naturally curious, they often swallow medications, cleaning supplies, and other products that could be life-threatening. Keeping activated charcoal in your first aid kit can help if given within an hour of your child swallowing a poisonous substance. You should immediately call a poison control center because activated charcoal does not work on certain poisons.
Heart Attacks
Keeping aspirin in your first aid kits can help if someone is having a heart attack. It is best to keep both the adult-strength and the low-dose aspirin. If you suspect that you or someone else is having a heart attack, taking an aspirin is beneficial because it slows blood clotting. A blood clot is often the cause of the heart attack. By keeping the clot smaller, it can prevent or reduce the severity of the heart attack.
