Putting together a family first aid kit

Photo: Positive Parenting

The concept of first aid was formalised by the Knights of St John – a Catholic order that focused on medical and military work – in the 11th century to help wounded soldiers on the battlefield.

However, it was only in the 19th century that the term “first aid” was coined by the British Red Cross.

Now, every home needs a first aid kit tailored for family needs, which is equipped to handle everything from scrapes to minor fevers.

Here are the essential items that should be in your kit:

• For wound care: Adhesive bandages (various sizes), sterile gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment
• For burn relief: Burn gel or aloe vera, sterile burn dressing
• For pain and fever relief: Pain relievers for both adults and children (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Basic medical tools: Tweezers, small scissors, digital thermometer, cotton swabs
• Emergency supplies: Disposable gloves, face mask, instant cold packs, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) mask
• For kids: Kid-friendly adhesive bandages, teething gel, soothing cream.

Optional items can include eye wash or saline solution, anti-diarrhoea medication, charcoal tablets for stomach aches, motion sickness tablets, and cold/allergy relief, e.g. antihistamines, decongestants and cough syrup.

You should keep your first aid kit accessible, but safe.

Store it in a cool, dry place that’s easy for adults to access, but out of children’s reach.

Use labelled boxes or compartment organisers in your kit, so that each item is visible and easy to grab in an emergency.

Do consider having more than one kit, e.g. an extra kit in the car is useful for emergencies on the go.

Some conditions that can be treated with first aid include:

• Minor wounds: Clean with antiseptic, apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage.
• Burns: Cool with water, apply burn gel and cover loosely with sterile dressing.
• Fever and pain: Use pain relief tablets as directed for age and weight, and take temperature using the thermometer.
• Allergies: Administer antihistamines for mild reactions.

   

  For serious allergic reactions, consult a doctor immediately.

You can also:

• Include emergency contact information: Add a card with phone numbers for local emergency services, your family doctor and ambulance services.
• Teach your children basic first aid awareness: Show them where the kit is stored and explain its importance without encouraging unsupervised use.
• Check and restock: Check expiration dates at least twice a year, ensure items are well-stocked, and replace anything used, expired or damaged.
• Create a mini first aid kit: Curate five essential first aid items that fit in your pocket or backpack.

   

  This is great for quick trips or hikes, and teaches you to prioritise essentials.

Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail is a consultant paediatrician and paediatric cardiologist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.