A to Z Disease

Home First Aid Kit

Creating a home first aid kit is very important and easy. You can either make the items in the kit, or find them at any pharmacy and most supermarkets.

• Emergency Numbers List. These should include your doctor, local ambulance, fire department and poison control center. .It's also a good idea to have numbers for your pharmacy, and a person who will act as your emergency contact.Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen And Aspirin Tablets. These are used for fevers, aches and pains. In some cases, aspirin should be taken during a heart attack. Talk to your doctor about whether this is something you need to think about. One important point—aspirin should not be given to children with flu symptoms, as they can develop Reye's Syndrome, a potentially fatal disease.
• Cough Suppressant. Keep cough suppressants around for unexpected coughs, and colds.
• Antihistamines and Decongestants. These agents are useful for treating symptoms of allergies, especially stuffy noses.
• Thermometer. Keep this to check for fever.
• Oral Medicine Syringes. These are used to give children oral medications, like cough syrup or antibiotics. You can also use these to flush and clean cuts and wounds.
• Emergency Eye Wash Solution. Use this solution to wash out debris, or chemicals from the eyes.
• Bandages (in different sizes and shapes). For cuts and scrapes.
• Elastic Wraps. You'll need these for sprains from a twisted ankle or wrist.
• Gauze and Adhesive Tapes. Use these to dress larger cuts when other bandages won't do. Gauze also acts as a good compress to help stop a bleeding cut.
• Sharp Scissors with Rounded Tips. These will help you remove bandages, or clothing from the skin without cutting or damaging the skin even further. Hydrogen Peroxide and Antiseptic Wipes. These are both good for cleaning scrapes and cuts.
• Antibiotic Ointment. To prevent infection.
• Instant-Activating Cold Packs. For sprains, bumps and bruises.
• Tweezers. Use these to pull splinters or clean cuts and scrapes.

Be sure to keep your emergency first aid kit away from children since it contains sharp objects and medications.

Preventing Accidents in the Home

Here are some helpful tips for staying safe in each main room of the home. If you are injured and in doubt about whether you need medical attention, err on the side of caution and keep your emergency numbers list handy.

The Family Room

• Cover Sharp Furniture Edges. Little ones can fall and bump their heads or other body parts. It's a good idea to put soft covers on sharp edges.
• Tape Down Rug Edges. Prevent slips and falls on rugs by making sure they aren't "turned up" or bulging.

Trips and stumbles can cause sprains and bruises. If this does happen, remember the R.I.C.E. method of treatment: Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate. .

The Bathroom

• Put down a non-slip mat. To prevent slips and falls, place a rubber or non-slip mat on the floor and in the tub.
• Be safe with Electrical Devices. Keep devices like hairdryers and electric shavers away from water.

The Kitchen

• Store Knives. Avoid skin cuts by putting knives in their proper place, like a drawer or wood block.
• Cut Carefully. Always chop or cut away from you.
• Let It Fall. If you drop a knife, don't reach for it. Let it hit the floor.
• Empty The Sink. Don't leave knives in dirty or cloudy dish water where you can clearly see them.
• Position Hot Pots. Make sure pot handles are turned inward when on the stove to avoid knocking them over.
• Store a Fire Extinguisher. Always keep one handy in case of a stove or oven fire.

Treating Injuries in the Home

Treating Sprains & Bruises

Remember RICE: Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate. This method is effective for relieving swelling and pain from minor injuries.

Treating Cuts

If you experience a cut, flush it with water and apply constant pressure with gauze or a clean cloth for about 15 minutes. If it is still bleeding after 15 minutes, you need to see your doctor. Use your judgment here. Some bad cuts require a trip to the emergency room.

Treating Burns

If you do get a burn, run it under cool – NOT cold - water, and then apply a clean bandage. To administer proper first aid for burns, you will need clean dish or hand cloths, and a few cold compresses. Keep those in the refrigerator or freezer. You will also need bandages for burns. After that you will want to put on a cold compress. Wrap one of the cold compresses in a towel and then apply it to the burn. Never apply ice or the compress directly to the burn.

You will need to see a doctor for burns that blister, or don't heal after 10 to 14 days. If burns become filled with pus or you develop a fever, you need to seek immediate medical attention.