Buying a First Aid Kit: 7 Crucial Tips to Follow
You never know when a first aid kit could save your life.
Even if you never have to use it, having a first aid kit can give you greater peace of mind as you’re out and about. A first aid kit can fit easily in your car, medicine cabinet, or hiking backpack.
It’s important that the first aid kit you purchase be reliable, complete, and helpful. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind when stocking up.
They Don’t Need to Be Expensive
One mistake people make is buying the most expensive first aid kit, assuming that the high price means the kit is better.
However, the quality of the first aid kit has no correlation with the price. You can find great first aid kits at an affordable price that will never let you down. Just make sure that the kit you purchase has all the necessary components.
You can find affordable first-aid kits online.
Have Treatments for Common Injuries
The contents of a first aid kit are more important than its price.
The basic supplies all first aid kits should include are adhesives (Band-Aids), wound dressings and gauze pads, cleaning ointments or wipes, tweezers, and some OTC medicine. You can find comprehensive checklists online that provide a guide for what your first aid kit should contain.
Personalize It to Your Needs
While all first aid kits should have the same basic supplies, you may need additional supplies depending on your personal needs.
Think about where you will be using the first aid kit. Your needs for a hiking kit will be very different from a basic kit that sits in your medicine cabinet. For example, a hiking kit should also contain treatment for poison ivy and insect bites.
Make sure that you add any medication that you need, such as Epi-Pens, to your first aid kit.
Think About the Size of Your Group
Many retailers sell first aid kits by size. Think about the number of people that will be in your group and buy a first aid kit accordingly. That way, you will have enough material on hand to treat everyone.
If you’re just buying a first aid kit for your home or car, purchase one big enough for all the members of your family.
Make Sure That It’s Portable
The most important part of the first aid kit is the collection of supplies inside, but the container it’s in is also important. You want your first aid kit to be comprehensive, but still small enough to fit in your bag or cabinet. Soft-side containers and pouches are the best choice thanks to their flexibility.
Refill When Necessary
After purchasing your first aid kit, make sure that you conduct regular maintenance and updates. After you use it, restock it with necessary products and buy restock kits online. You don’t want to need first aid, only to find out that your kit is empty.
Stay Prepared for Whatever Can Happen
Buying a first aid kit is one of the best ways you can be prepared for anything. When looking into first aid kits, make sure that you get one that is comprehensive, has supplies specific to medical issues you may encounter, and most importantly, is within your budget.
