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New Delhi: An adequately supplied first aid kit is crucial for every household to provide prompt treatment for injuries, sickness, or emergencies. It offers essential tools and materials for treating minor injuries like cuts, burns, or sprains, and can be crucial in more severe cases until expert assistance is available. Dr Bhumesh Tyagi, Consultant- General Medicine and Physician, Shardacare – Health City, shared suggestions on what to include in a first aid kit.

Essential materials in a first aid kit:

Begin with the basics: adhesive bandages (different sizes), sterile gauze pads, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, and an antiseptic solution (such as Dettol or Savlon) for wound cleaning. Add a digital thermometer, a pair of scissors, tweezers, and safety pins. Cotton rolls, crepe bandages, and an elastic bandage for strains are equally essential.

Medications:

Keep a supply of basic over-the-counter medications like paracetamol for pain and fever, antihistamines for allergies, antacids for digestive issues, and oral rehydration salts (ORS) to combat dehydration. Add a burn ointment, antiseptic cream, pain relief spray, and calamine lotion for skin irritations. If any family member has a known allergy or ongoing illness, also list their particular medications.

Instruments and Additions:

Include a set of disposable gloves, a face mask, and hand sanitizer to ensure cleanliness. A flashlight with spare batteries, a cold pack, and a compact notebook containing emergency contact details can be beneficial as well. It’s prudent to add a first-aid guide or directions for fundamental procedures.

Storage and Upkeep:

Store the kit in a dry, easily reachable spot recognized by all family members. Regularly inspect its contents and substitute any expired medications or consumed supplies. Possessing a home first aid kit is not merely a precaution, but rather a sign of responsibility. It prepares you to manage minor emergencies with assurance and offers basic assistance until expert help arrives.

Treating minor injuries at home

Dr Shrey Kumar Srivastav, Senior Consultant, Sharda Hospital, shared tips to deal with minor injuries. Minor injuries like cuts, bruises, burns, or sprains are common and can often be managed at home with prompt first aid. It’s essential to stay calm, assess the severity, and take immediate steps to prevent infection or further damage.

First Aid Steps:

1. Cuts and Scrapes: Clean the wound gently with clean water. Use antiseptic liquid (like povidone-iodine) to disinfect. Cover with a sterile bandage.
2. Bruises: Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid massaging the area.
3. Minor Burns: Rinse with cool (not cold) water for 10–15 minutes. Do not apply ice. Use a burn ointment or aloe vera gel.
4. Sprains/Strains: Follow the R.I.C.E. method – Rest, Ice, Compression (with an elastic bandage), and Elevation.
5. Insect Bites/Stings: Clean the area, apply calamine lotion or an antihistamine cream. Watch for allergic reactions.

Essential First Aid Kit Medicines:

1. Antiseptic solution/cream (Betadine, Dettol)
2. Adhesive bandages and sterile gauze
3. Pain relievers (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)
4. Antihistamines (Cetirizine for allergies)
5. Burn ointment (Silver sulfadiazine)
6. Cold compress/gel pack
7. Elastic bandage (for sprains)
8. Scissors, tweezers, and gloves
9. Storage Tip: Keep your kit in a clean, dry place, easily accessible, and check expiry dates regularly.

Immediate, basic care can prevent complications and reduce the need for medical intervention in small injuries.