Accidents can happen anywhere, especially at home. We do not wish for them, but they do take place. As a result, it is critical to be ready for such emergencies.

A packed, handy first aid kit is a must-have in every home as it will help you deal with any emergency at short notice.

You can easily purchase a first aid kit from a pharmacy, Red Cross local office, or build one yourself. To create your own first aid box, use a container that is spacious, heavy-duty, and easy to transport. Plastic containers are a great option and could suffice as First aid boxes because they are light, come with handles, and are very spacious.

Here are some of the things you can include in your first aid box?

• A first aid handbook
• An emergency telephone number list
• Plaster and bandages in different sizes
• A pair of scissors
• Alcohol wipes and antiseptic soap
• Pain killers & over the counter drugs
• Mercury or digital thermometer
• Whistle
• Pack of disposable gloves
• Bottled water and non-perishable food items
• Toilet paper and Sanitary items

Below are 5 reasons to keep a first aid kit in your home:

1. Early Treatment of Injuries

With some accidents, as little as a one-minute delay could cause serious harm. Having a first aid kit assists you in addressing health emergencies as fast as possible, preventing them from getting worse, and saving you a possible trip to the hospital. Depending on the severity and peculiarity of the accident, this could serve as only a temporary aid, and there might still be a need for professional medical attention.

2. Minimize the Loss of Blood

At times, wounds could get messy, and blood loss for an extended period could be risky. Immediate use of gauze and dressing can help minimize or completely stop blood loss. Just hold a clean cloth steadily over the surface of the wound for a few minutes. This would initiate the natural blood clotting process and potentially save a life.

3. All You Need in One Box

A first aid box affords you the accessibility to already packaged medical supplies, so you don’t have to waste precious time getting one together when in need. Its handiness allows you to carry it along easily, so you are not caught by surprise.

4. Immediate Pain Relief

In the case of a sprain, dislocation, or burn, an instant cold or heat pack can significantly reduce swelling or help to relieve pain. It is almost impossible always to protect your loved ones from harm, but having a first aid kit nearby keeps you from getting caught unawares.

5. Puts Your Mind at Rest

Having a first aid kit provides some form of medical security to you and your loved ones, ultimately putting your mind at rest and preventing unnecessary panic. Don’t forget to take time to refill supplies, and it is also essential to train your loved ones on basic first aid procedures to offer it in case of an emergency.