Tips for your Family First Aid Kit

With many accidents occurring at home or while out and about, it is essential for families to keep a well-stocked first aid kit in the home AND in the car. A first aid kit, will keep all your emergency items in one container and can assist with ease of initial treatment. We spoke to Mary Dawes, the Director of First Aid For You, for her tips on First Aid Kit for families.

Mary advised that not only are first aid kits essential, it’s in times of need that you can never locate that pack of band-aids or the bandage wrap to act as pressure bandage for snake bite (don’t apply a tourniquet, as this cuts blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected limb). Having all the items in a well-stocked First Aid Kit helps make the initial treatment of the wound easier and more effective.

Tips for your Family First Aid Kit

• • Firstly, ensure everyone in the family knows where the first aid kit is kept and that it can be reached by the children and adults.
  • Both kits (in the home and car) should have child-friendly antiseptic cream for the kids as most regular brands may be too strong on little skin, it’s also good to have some “character” and waterproof Band-Aids in there, they’re great distraction therapy and will have the child focusing on something other than the injury.
  • In the kits have a list of numbers and any allergies your family has. If possible laminate the sheet so it’s reasonably waterproof. Also keep these numbers on the fridge in the home for ready-reference.

• Nappy bags are must in first aid kits, for any rubbish removal and for when people are feeling like they may throw-up.

Finally, it’s never too early to teach the kids how to ring “000” – start from an early age and have them recite their address too, many children can be very helpful in time of need. The First Aid For You Kids course, empowers kids aged 4-13 years with essential skills.

Take a look at the DIY First Aid Kit Option MumsDelivery has designed or save yourself the time and effort of creating your own Family First Aid kit by purchasing a complete kit from First Aid For You, which has space for personal medications, as well as having everything included clearly labelled to easily find what you need quickly in the event of an emergency. See the kit and all its inclusions here: www.firstaidforyou.com.au