Do you have a First Aid Box?

Any injury can be severe, if proper things are not on hand at the exactly right time. A properly equipped first aid kit can save golden minutes in an emergency. We should keep this sort of emergency box not only at home, but also in our offices and those who have cars, they can keep one in their vehicle. Try to make it a waterproof box and label it as 'First Aid' -- may be with a red/green/white cross symbol depending upon the background. And always try your best to store it in a dry place.

The Box will contain most of the following basic first aid items that you need to deal during an emergency; this should be kept out of children.

*10 adhesive dressing strips for minor cuts and grazes

*1 Tape for securing dressing

*2 crepe roller bandage (different sizes)

*3 sterile gauze swabs for cleaning wounds

*3 Sterile non-adherent absorbent dressing for burns

*1 Mercury thermometer in a protective case/ digital thermometer

*1 bottle antiseptic solution and 'Povidone-iodine' first aid ointment

*2-3 pair disposable gloves

*1 sterile eye pad

*2 triangular bandages

*Cotton wool for padding and cotton buds

*1 tweezer for removing splinters and 1 round ended scissors

*Few safety pins

*If available, ear plugs for reducing levels of unwanted noise

One of the best ways of being prepared during holiday outside your place is to have a comprehensive 'medicine first aid plastic bag' along with the above items.

Holiday Medicine Kit
*Paracetamol analgesic tablets for minor pain

*Antihistamine cream for bites and stings

*Anti-diarrhoeal drugs for acute diarrhoea (not for small children)

*'ORS' for water and electrolyte replacement

*Antacid tablets for hyperacidity

*Replace items as they are used, do not keep medications for any length of time (take a look at 'expiry date').It is important to stick a card of your trustworthy doctor (with whom you have good relationship) and

*Also attach a paper listing emergency phone numbers (which should include negative blood group associations) and the blood groups of close and distant family members and friends.