A lot of households figure they’ve got first aid covered without buying a first aid kit (especially some of the over-priced ones that are on the market these days), and to be honest, some are right. There are some key items which should be available in your house, at work, and we’d argue even in the car! Having a first aid kit, home-made or store bought, puts all of the essentials in one, easy to remember place. If it doesn’t seem necessary to you to keep one in the car, consider that nearly 1 in 20 drivers is involved in an accident each year (minor or not) and that you may be able to better help someone until first responders arrive if you have the essentials already with you. It also allows you to have first aid essentials wherever you go, in case you trip walking back to your car after a hike with the kids or one of your children hurts themselves at soccer practice.

If you’re going to assemble your first aid kit, it should include:

Gloves

Bandages (Gauze and band-aids of varying sizes)

Surgical tape

Alcohol wipes (or alcohol and cotton balls)

An Instant Cold Pack

Pain reliever

Medical scissors

Medical ointment (ex. for burns)

First Aid Guide

If you are planning to keep the kit the car, a sturdy blanket can be easily made into a device to carry a small adult or child, or to keep someone warm if they are at risk of going into shock.

Having the tools is key to making sure you and your loved ones are safe. Along with a first aid kit (home-made or store bought), First Aid training is highly recommended. A variety of companies offer first aid training at competitive prices with the goal of keeping you and yours as safe as possible. To book a course with our company call 905-685-4242 or 1-888-983-0123. Our instructor can teach on site or come to you.

Remember to assemble or purchase your first aid kits asap! Better safe than sorry!