Emergency Preparedness: DIY First Aid Kit Essential Items

Emergency Preparedness

As we all know, accidents happen and people get sick. It’s just a part of life.

Although we can take steps to lessen illness and injury, the fact remains that an emergency will happen at some point.

And, being prepared for these situations can help you respond quickly and effectively to illness, injuries, or emergencies.

Having a well-stocked first aid kit at home is a crucial component for protecting yourself and your family.

Along with one daughter, I have two very active boys that can usually be found playing outside in the woods, in their fort, or down at the creek.

Let me tell you, not a day goes by that I don’t have to whip out our first aid kit and tend to scratches, thorns, or bug bites.

Luckily, most of their injuries are minor and can be managed swiftly with our handy kit of alcohol wipes, antibiotic cream, and bandaids.

Always be Prepared

As a Registered Nurse, I know the importance of keeping a wide variety of first aid supplies on-hand for any unforeseen emergencies.

And, it’s best to always be prepared ahead of time.  

In a natural disaster or weather emergency, you may be stranded at home and unable to get to your pharmacy or call 911.  

So, having a first aid kit of essential items in your home and car will assure that you are well prepared if you ever need to utilize it.

Also, if there is an emergency and paramedics are unable to get to you for a while, you may need to know how to apply basic first aid.

DIY First Aid Kit Container

For your DIY first aid kit, use a container that is roomy, sturdy, and easy to open.

Plastic tackle boxes or containers for storing art supplies or makeup are good options.

These are ideal because they’re lightweight, have handles, and offer a lot of space.

DIY First Aid Kit Contents

• Checklist of contents, medications, expiration dates, and emergency phone numbers

• Bandaids (assorted sizes), medical tape, 4×4 pads, cotton swabs

• Non-latex gloves, hand sanitizer

• Neosporin, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, betadine

• Small scissors, tweezers, nail clippers

• Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, aspirin

• One week supply of prescribed medications

• Cough drops, menthol inhaler stick

• Antihistamine, anti-itch cream, insect repellent

• Anti-diarrheal, Tums, Dramamine

• Instant ice packs

• Eyewash solution

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Portable phone battery and charging cord

• Thermometer

• First aid guidebook

Important points to note:

• Include a first aid checklist, any family member’s allergies, prescriptions, and emergency contact info and phone numbers.

• Check your first aid kit regularly.

• Check expiration dates and replace any used or outdated contents.

• Store your first aid kit out of children’s reach.

• Inform all family members and sitters of your First Aid Kit’s location.

• Children under the age of 19yo should not be given aspirin due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome

• Include first aid items that make sense for your family and location

Our family’s First Aid Kit is on the top shelf of our pantry.

Be Prepared with BoardVitals

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As a nursing professional, I have to take continuing education courses before my RN license expires.

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You can prepare with board-style cases and practice questions on your schedule.

Additionally, their medical content is updated daily to ensure you’ve got the most relevant knowledge to pass your exam and/or meet continuing education requirements.

How Can BoardVitals Help You as a Medical Professional or Student?

• All healthcare professionals require access to the most current information possible – lives depend on it.

• Many textbooks and digital resources are often outdated the moment they are published.

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Here are a few more things that I really like about BoardVitals, and that sets them apart from the rest:

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Learn More About BoardVitals

If you are a medical professional or student you should visit www.boardvitals.com to learn more about how they can better prepare you for ongoing exams.

Now, Over to You

This post explains the importance of always being prepared, like with BoardVitals, and shows you how to be prepared for a home emergency with a DIY first aid kit.

Do you already have a first aid kit at home or are you planning to make one?

What are some items you think I should add to the list?

I’d love to hear from you — please comment below.

Related: Simple Ways to Live A Better Life

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