The ultimate safety guide

Taking the time to make a first aid kit can help save you from some serious emergencies. You never know when falls,cuts,burns or allergic reactions will happen and it's better to be safe than sorry. Yes, the usual antiseptics, dressings and bandages are a must-have, but what about the other essentials that you are forgetting about? 

THE BASICS
Do you remember to keep gloves around? What about distilled water or a turkey baster? Gloves prevent contact with blood in case of cuts, and distilled water is needed to prevent water-borne infections. What's new is thealuminium finger splint. In case of finger swellings,this can be your best friend, protecting the swollen finger until it recovers. You should also keep a breathing barrier for giving CPR, which is essential in case of heart attacks. A first aid manual and a list of emergency numbers should always be kept within reach. You really shouldn't have to run around looking for numbers when you (or anyone) are in critical condition. 

MEDICINE
Beside antiseptics and antibiotics, a tropical country like ours requiresspecial attention to keep those insects away. Mosquito repellentsand calamine lotion for stings are must-haves. Besides paracetamol, antacids, anti-nausea medicine and laxatives, we should also keep medicine to treat minor burns. Never forget to check the expiry date of medicine regularly.You don'twant your medicine to turn into poison now, do you?

FOR CHILDREN 
Younger children often have a tendency to put stuff in their mouths.All small things, especially medicine, should be kept out of their reach in cabinets. Have a safe area in the house where they can play while you work. Specifically, keep anything that has water away from electrical wires and appliances. 

FOR ELDERLY 
For diabetic patients, keep candies around to prevent risk of hypoglycaemia and have insulin ready too. It's also smart to keep oxygen cylinders and a few physiotherapy machines around.

THE NATURAL WAY
Many everyday things can act as brilliant homemade remedies. Here's another reason to love potatoes!  For minor burns, applying a peeled potato onto the affected skin after washing it can ease the pain.Then, protect and heal the burned area by simply applying honey or aloe vera to it.Potatoes also work as itch relief.Drinking ginger juice or tea can effectively suppress a cough. Apple cider vinegarcan be used for indigestion or even treating burns. 

DURING EARTHQUAKES 
Have a safe spot in each room of your house and store all flammable liquid on bottom shelves of latched cabinets. You should always keep an emergency kit ready. This should include a torch, extra batteries, a battery operated radio, a first aid kit with a manual, emergency food, drinking water and money. 

Now, start following these pointers already and then stop yourself from worrying all the time! 

By Adiba Mahbub Proma