Because we never know when an emergency might strike – whether it is a tiny “boo-boo” that just needs a band-aid or a major hurricane, a well-stocked emergency medical first aid kit is important to have. And you should have the kit stored where it is easy to access it.

The news continues to remind us about the risks that can occur when a natural disaster occurs. The recent images of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines is but one reminder, that we need to be ready for anything.

Actually, I suggest you have two kinds of first aid kits around. The first one would be for everyday cuts and bruises and really can be just items you store in the medicine cabinet or bathroom cupboard – like band-aids and ointments and aspirin.

It is the second emergency medical first aid kit that I want to address here. For our family, this is actually a small suitcase the contains a regular first aid kit, plus several more specific items…

Medications

For prescription medications, you should try to have a supply that will last up to two weeks. If that isn’t possible, at least a one week supply is encouraged.

Get you prescriptions renewed as soon as you are allowed to. Don’t wait until you are almost completely out before you pick up a new refill. If you can set aside some of your pills for a future emergency need, that will allow you to build up that one or two extra weeks of reserves. Check with your doctor for recommendations on what to do about having a supply of needed medications if an emergency occurs.

Keep all medications for household members in one location so that they will be easy to grab, if you need to leave your home in a hurry.

Hygiene

Antiseptic sprays or wipes can be useful for cleaning up cuts and scrapes. Antibiotic hand washes in a bottle or packets are valuable when you do not have clean or extra water to use for washing. Neosporin is also a good idea as it can aid with healing.

Pain Relievers

Your medical first aid kit should include pain relievers, as well as items for nausea or upset stomach, and fever reducers. Aspirin is also recommended in the event that someone starts to exhibit symptoms of a heart attack. An ear thermometer (with its batteries) is also a good idea to car,y so that you know if someone has a fever.

Gauze and Pads

A well-stocked emergency medical kit is going to have plenty of gauze and pads and medical tape in it. The gauze and pad should be of various sizes. And be sure to have a good pair of medical scissors in the kit, to cut the gauze size and tape as needed.

This is a good spot to remind you to have tweezers in your kit. Along with removing stickers, you might need to remove glass and other debris. Band -aids and bandages are also recommended.

Gloves

The use of sterile gloves is important to make sure you decrease the risk of infection and contamination of both yourself and someone you maybe taking care of. A box of these gloves should be part of your emergency medical first aid kit. They are a standard tool in stopping the spread of germs when you are trying to help someone that needs medical care.

First Aid Book

It is a good idea to have an in depth first aid book with your supplies. That information can provide you with step by step details about how to handle a medical need until professional medical care can be received. Look for a book that is current and that has lots of detailed instructions as well as photos to show you what to do.

Find one of these manuals that offers an index, too. This enables you to quickly find the right instructions to follow for the most common types of medical emergencies you may need to tend to with your kit. After all, those supplies you have stored and ready to go don’t mean anything if you can’t use them adequately.

Read the booklet before placing it into the kit.

A survival type knife and matches and water purifying tablets can also go into this kit, if you have room.

Here is an important tip: Any time that you use items from your emergency medical first aid kit, replace them as soon as you can. Keep this kit fully stocked so that you don’t experience an emergency situation and realize you are missing items that you need.

You can purchase ready-made kits or create your own. Make sure you have enough supplies for your family.

Routinely check the expiration dates on items in your emergency medical first aid kit. Toss out items that are out of date or close to expiring. Replace them with items that are going to last for a year or longer.

Sometimes we have warnings before a disaster strikes, but too often we must respond at an unexpected moment. To help keep your family and loved ones safe as is possible make sure that you are emergency ready. Learn first aid techniques and have your own emergency first aid kit on hand.

First aid Kits For Sale

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Emergency Medical First Aid Kits – EPMK Overview by Chinook Medical Gear

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Medical First Aid Kit