Which First Aid Supplies Should You Have at Home?

First aid supplies can be helpful during an episode that requires the use of your lifesaving skills from your first aid or emergency first aid recertification course. There will only be so much you can do at home so it is not necessary to purchase one of everything you find at a drug supply store. There are some basic supplies that will be beneficial to have in your first aid kit at home. You can always personalize your at-home medical supply bag to fit the individual needs you or your family members might have. First aid CPR course programs recommend the following basic items when creating your own emergency medical supply bag:

1. Non-latex disposable gloves. Disposable gloves are PPE, or personal protection equipment, that can help protect you from blood borne pathogens. Non-latex is important because many individuals have allergic reactions to latex. When working to help someone in need, we don’t want to bring any common allergens near them that might make their situation worse.
2. Alcohol or antiseptic wipes. Alcohol and antiseptic wipes can be used on minor cuts, scrapes, and small wounds to disinfect and prevent infection.  Many alcohol wipes are packaged individually for easy of carrying them. 
3. Adhesive bandages. Being able to the cover the wound, cut, or scrape is important because it can keep dirt and bacteria out of the wound and prevent infection. Depending on the location, an adhesive bandage might be challenging to use. In those cases, you can use gauze pads and medical type to help keep the cut covered.  
4. Emergency blanket. Emergency blankets are important to have because anyone with a lowered blood pressure or heart rate may feel cold and be unable to regulate their body temperature. Keeping them warm helps to calm the victim and allow you to stabilize them and properly assess the situation. Advanced wilderness first aid courses may recommend a few different types of blankets since their victims may experience hypothermia from exposure in the outdoors. Wilderness training is offered with a 40 hour wilderness first aid or 80 hour wilderness first aid program course.  

These are just a few of the many popular items to have in a medical supply kit at home. If you have questions about what items you should have for your personal medical bag, reach out to pharmacist in your area to talk about PPE, or personal protection equipment.