No home is complete without a first-aid kit.  Accidents can happen anytime, and it is important to be prepared for them.  A few minutes can make all of the difference, which is why having a fully-stocked, readily available first-aid kit ready is essential.  Putting one together is easy, as long as you know what you need and how to use it.

There are plenty of injuries that can occur – cuts, scrapes, bruises, bee stings, burns, allergic reactions, and plenty more.  Building a first-aid kit is not expensive, and the savings will be quite apparent when something goes wrong.  There is nothing worse than not having the necessities after an injury.

First on the list are bandages.  Having a variety of shapes and sizes is essential to meet the specific needs of each injury.  A first-aid kit should have a variety of small adhesive bandages for little cuts, larger adhesive bandages for burns and scrapes, and elastic bandages for sprains, bruises, and other external injuries.

Two of the most crucial additions to a first-aid kit are gauze and medical tape.  With these two staples, most injuries can be treated effectively – at least temporarily.  There are endless uses for these items, and they can even be used to adequately dress serious wounds, at least until they can be treated by a doctor1.

Sanitization is absolutely essential when it comes to treating injuries, so it is important to have some protective, hygienic products on hand as well.  The kit should have plenty of non-latex gloves to avoid infection and to protect the person dressing the wound from blood or disease.  For sanitation, be sure to include hand sanitizer, hydrogen peroxide for killing germs and bacteria, antiseptic solution or wipes containing antiseptics, ointment with bacitracin or mupirocin for protecting wounds from outside germs and bacteria, and lotions with hydrocortisone for rashes and allergic reactions.

It is also wise to have a variety of pharmaceuticals such as aspirin and ibuprofen for aches, pains, and fever reduction, an antihistamine for allergies and swelling, and medicine for upset stomachs.  While not life-saving or critical in emergencies, these supplies will certainly help to ease discomfort and save a trip to the store2.

It is possible to purchase pre-made kits, but many people like to make their own custom kits with favorite or familiar products and items.  Additionally, it is important to keep first-aid kits replenished.  Many people go months or years without an injury, not even realizing that their first-aid kit is severely lacking in supplies.  When it comes to health, safe is always better than sorry.

For quality medical supplies and equipment, professionals turn to AllegroMedical.com because they know that they will be able to browse through a large inventory of quality medical supplies and equipment without having to pay an arm and a leg for them.  By offering inexpensive, quality products, caring customer service, and a massive inventory, Allegro is helping people from all walks of life to get the medical supplies that they require.

For more than 15 years, AllegroMedical.com has been the leading online distributor of home health and wellness products.  Rely on Allegro Medical for all of your first aid and other health supplies.

Sources:

(1) - http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Home-First-Aid-Kit

(2) - http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/actionguide/action-tips-build-first-aid-kit-your-house