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Frequently Asked Questions
Home » Home Health » First-Aid Kits » Frequently Asked QuestionsShould I use a prepackaged first-aid kit?
There is a wide variety in both the quality and price (kits often cost up to one hundred dollars) of prepackaged first-aid kits. You will likely save money putting a kit together yourself, but prepackaged kits offer the convenience of small containers that all fit neatly into the kit. Still, it is a good idea to build your own kit for the home; your first-aid kit will often double as a medicine chest, so you might as well purchase full-size medical supplies at a discounted price. You could, however, consider a prepackaged kit for your travel first-aid kit, since you can purchase travel kits that will fit easily into your bags. Whatever kit you consider, read carefully over the contents so that you know for sure whether you need to add anything.
How can I learn how to practice first aid?
Basic first-aid manuals (which you should include in your first-aid kit) are available for sale, but you can also get the information for free through various organizations or on the Internet. Contact the Red Cross or your doctor’s office for help and/or look at the web site for the Red Cross or other reputable medical organizations. In addition, several organizations regularly offer first-aid training that will enable you to receive official first-aid and/or CPR certification. Contact your state or county department of health for more information. Above all, however, recognize your limitations as a first aid administrator. Even if you are first-aid certified, serious problems require professional medical attention, so make sure you can recognize a medical emergency and contact help immediately.
How often should I examine my first-aid kit?
As you put items into your first-aid kit, make sure that each package or container is adequately stocked and that it will not expire in the near future. In addition, check your first-aid kit(s) on an annual basis to see which items you need to replace. When you use up an item, however, simply put it on your shopping list immediately, and then you won’t need to wait until your annual check to realize you need it. Finally, it is a good idea to keep inside your kit a list of the pack’s contents so that you will be able to easily recognize what items are missing.
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