First Aid Preparedness

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First aid should be high on your priority list, having the necessary tools on hand can prevent a bad injury from getting worse. First aid kits should not only be for emergencies but apart of your everyday essentials. For those of us that have kids, it never fails that at some point there will be a “boo-boo” that has to have a band-aid (even if it is not bleeding) to make it feel better. I recommend having a wilderness first aid kit since they are created with remote medicine in mind and are superior to generic kits that are band-aid heavy since in a disaster you will become your family’s first responder if the 911 system goes down.  

SOME ITEMS THAT YOU SHOULD KEEP IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT: 

-      Personal prescription medicine - prescription my be hard to obtain in a disaster scenario  

-      Immodium – for aid in stopping diarrhea  

-      Ibuprofen (Adult & Children) – for pain or fever reducer  

-      Acetaminophen (Adult & Children) - for pain or fever reducer  

-      Benadryl (Adult & Children) – for bug bites or allergic reactions  

-      Antibiotic ointment – to help avoid wound infection  

-      Tweezers – get splinters out  

-      Hand Sanitizer – to help clean hands before handling wounds  

-       ACE Wrap – It will be hard to find stretchy material when you need it  

-      Gauze – wound care  

-      Different size bandages – wound card  

-      Triangular bandage – many uses such as tourniquet or sling  

-      Dental Repair Kit – patching up lost fillings  

-      Trauma Kit - to help with heavy bleeding  

Mental health is also something that will need to be monitored. Listed are a few ways to help keep your mental health positive because a hard time can take a toll on an optimistic outlook.  

-      Good Hygiene – a daily routine of brushing teeth, washing hands and keeping your body clean can have positive mental vibes  

-      Having a routine   

-      Sleep and naps  

-      Entertainment – playing cards, games or storytelling  

-      Create something – you will have a sense of accomplishment  

-      Have a plan – being prepared can keep stress levels down  

Having a comprehensive first aid kit in your emergency kit and mini first aid kits in your purse, car or diaper bag can help to avoid a bad injury getting worse or will help until you can get professional medical attention. Stay Safe!