Health Facts
General Health
Baby
Toddlers & Children
Pregnancy
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First Aid Kits
Every home should have some basic first aid supplies on hand to cater for
those little accidents that always occur. This is particularly so when you have
children in the house as their naturally inquisitive and energetic nature, with
no knowledge of possible consequences, can lead to incidents occurring.
Pharmacy Help stocks a range kits suitable for home use or we
can, if you prefer, help you to build your own kit to suit your individual
needs.
Below is a suggested list of basic requirements.
- Container: to store your first aid equipment in. (a plastic container
with a lid or a cardboard box with a lid will do the job).
- Single use saline: These are great for bathing wounds (recommended over
water) and for removing irritants from eyes.
- Antiseptic solution: Betadine, Savlon or something similar.
- Stingoes: Great for the initial treatment of bites & stings (e.g. Bees,
Ants, Mosquitoes & jellyfish) Application should be followed with ice packs
and specific treatment for the type of sting.
- Soothing cream: A number of creams are available for the treatment of
minor burns, bites & stings.
- Solugel: Aids in wound healing
- Cold / Hot packs: use cold on bumps, bruises, joint & muscle injuries
for first 48 hours as necessary. After this heat should be applied to joint
& muscle injuries. (Icy poles are great for treating bumps & minor bleeding
to the mouth or gums of little children.)
- Band-aids, Steristrips, Fixamul dressings: Available in a wide range of
sizes & shapes for all minor wounds
- Bandages: A variety of sizes are available. its good too have a couple
of different ones on hand
- Gauze Pads
- Triangular Sling
- Cotton Buds
- Thermometer: Digital, mercury or tympanic (ear) are all accurate and
easy to use.
- Scissors
- Tweezers: Preferably pointed ones for removing splinters.
- Adhesive tape
- Paracetamol: Good for fever or pain. Use only as directed on package.
- Measuring Cup
Remember that these products are suggestions only and are for the treatment
of minor injuries and home emergencies. If worried always seek medical help.
Always store your first aid kit well out of reach of children preferably in a
locked cupboard.
First Aid courses are available through St John's Ambulance and are well worth
doing so that you know how to handle any situation that might arise. For more
information on First Aid kits please speak to any opf the staff at Pharmacy Help.
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