Every home should have a well-stocked first aid kit to assist in wound care and in case of emergency. Having the appropriate first aid supplies on hand, and easily accessible, can keep a minor injury from turning into a major health crisis. If you are a caregiver providing at-home care for a loved one after surgery, it is even more important. You will want to stock up on all of these suggested supplies ahead of time.
First Aid Kit Supplies
Below is a list of the top 7 core supplies that should be a part of any first aid kit to render proper care.
1: Medical Gloves
When treating an open wound, the most important thing you can do as the caretaker is protecting yourself and your patient. The single, most effective way to maintain a sterile environment is donning a pair of medical gloves. This simple task prevents the transmission of bacteria, infections, and viruses that could be present in blood or other bodily fluids. Due to common latex allergies, having an ample supply of disposable nitrile or latex-free gloves on hand is a good idea.
2: Alcohol Pads
Alcohol pads are a first-aid supplies kit essential. They should come individually pre-packaged and sealed. They are crucial to preventing bacteria and infection when cleaning and preparing wounds to be dressed. Since several pads are used in a single cleaning, it’s advisable to have a full stock on hand to replenish your kit when it starts to run low.
3: Gauze Sponges
Wounds, especially advanced care wounds, tend to seep and ooze a great deal as they are healing. Gauze sponges are another wound kit essential because they are sterile and highly absorbent. They protect against contamination and bacteria when dressing a wound. There are several varieties of gauze sponges for various purposes. Some are used for cleaning in and around wounds, while others are in roll form to wrap the limbs where the wound is to stabilize the site.
4: Cotton Tipped Applicators
Cotton tipped applicators, or medical grade Q-tips, are sterile applicators that serve several purposes in wound care. They can be used to clean the edges of a wound. They are also frequently used to apply salves or ointments to wounds to prevent or treat infections. The fine tip allows for more precise placement of medications to promote healing.
5: Ointments and Medicines
An important goal of any wound care treatment is to prevent or treat an infection. A complete first aid kit should always be equipped with these essential medical supplies: hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, and an antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin or Polysporin. In tandem, these products can help clean the wound and proactively prevent or treat an infection.
6: Dressings and Bandages
Dressing open wounds properly is critical in keeping wounds clean, preventing infection, and accelerating the healing process. Be sure to stock your first aid kit with a variety of different sized bandages. The dressing should be customized to treat specific wounds based on size and severity.
7: Medical Tape
Medical grade tape is a multifunctional supply that is necessary for a wound care kit. It is commonly used to secure dressings and bandaging. Make sure the product you include in your kit is hypoallergenic so it’s safe to use on sensitive skin.
First Aid Products
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Visit our website to view the best selection of quality first aid products. We have the supplies you need for safe and sterile care at home. We also offer other high-quality online medical devices and supplies to make home care convenient and affordable for you or the person you care for.