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By April Briggs


Having the proper supplies in the event of a natural disaster or any type of emergency can mean the difference between a positive outcome and a needless tragedy. Whether dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake, a car accident, or some other emergency, seconds count. A properly stocked first aid survival kit can save lives.

Every household should have a least one first aid kit and ideally, one for each floor of the house. This ensures the supplies are readily available and saves precious time retrieving one from a different location. Everyone in the home should know exactly where it is and how to use its contents.

A user-friendly first aid manual is an essential component. Most people think they know exactly what to do in an emergency but every situation is unique. When emotions are running high and the atmosphere is chaotic, a guide can be an invaluable tool.

Include a good assortment of adhesive bandages in various sizes and shapes. These are helpful for treating minor scrapes and small cuts. Replace any bandages with torn packaging to avoid introducing bacteria to an open wound.

In case there is a need to dress large wounds, you need adhesive tape, gauze and sterile pads. Pack several sterile pads of different sizes and at least two rolls of gauze. Include scissors sharp enough to cut through clothing, tape, and gauze.

Make sure you have at least one instant cold compress to relive minor pain and swelling. The compress is useful for treating sore joints, aches, minor sprains, or any other injury where cold therapy is effective. Triangular bandages are perfect for making an arm sling when immobilization is necessary.

When offering assistance, you must always be careful to reduce the risk of spreading infection. This is why the person offering help must wear nonlatex gloves. This is for the protection of both parties because infection can spread through exposure to body fluids, especially blood. You must clean the wounds before dressing them, so add some antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment to your list of supplies.

Include any other compact items that may be useful in an emergency. Kits should have tweezers, matches, an oral thermometer, and a flashlight with multiple changes of batteries. Do not forget to test the flashlight from time to time and change the batteries as needed. Add an emergency blanket, sometimes called a space blanket. This compact and lightweight item may be necessary if you need a way to keep an injured person warm.

You have the option of purchasing a pre-packaged first aid kit or putting one together yourself. Either solution is acceptable but you may need to add some items to customize kits for your family's unique needs. If anyone in the family is taking prescription medications, rotate in a supply every once in awhile in case in becomes impossible to refill a prescription when it runs out. Include a handful of epinephrine auto injectors if anyone in the family suffers from severe allergies. Check the contents twice per year to inspect expiration dates on medications, swap out batteries, and make sure the packages containing sterile items are still intact.




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