First-aid kits

Posted on 19 December 2013

A good comprehensive first-aid kit is essential in every home as well as for travel, says Dr Isabel van der Merwe, head of the emergency centre at Mediclinic George. It’s advisable to have one well-stocked bag or plastic container, which can be taken along for travel and used around the home.

Basic-wound management:
•    Antiseptic wound cleaner
•    1 packet assorted plasters
•    2 x roller bandages (50mm)
•    2 x roller bandages (75mm)
•    2 x triangular bandages
•    Gauze dressing
•    2 x small wound dressings
•    2 x medium wound dressings
•    2 x large wound dressings
•    1 roll adhesive tape (1m x 2,5cm)
•    Roll of cotton wool for padding and cleaning
•    Gauze for dressings and cleaning

Burn management
•    Burn dressings (small and medium size), e.g. Burnshield

Ointments/Lotions
•    Antiseptic ointment
•    Burnshield spray for minor burns and sunburn
•    Antihistamine cream for stings and skin irritations

General
•    Disposable gloves
•    Thermometer
•    Measuring spoons
•    Scissors and tweezers
•    Safety pins

Eye injuries
•    Eyebath
•    Eyepad

CPR
•    1 mouthpiece for administering CPR
•    CPR card indicating how to do basic CPR

Medications
•    Rehydration fluid, e.g. Sorel or Rehidrat
•    Anti nausea medication, e.g. Valoid
•    Pain and fever, e.g. Paracetamol
•    Antihistamines, e.g. Allergex

Emergency phone numbers
It is advisable to have a list of emergency numbers (for the police, ambulance poison centre, nearest hospital and fire brigade) in your kit.

What about when I’m travelling?
Your first-aid kit for travelling remains the same as the one in your home. However, don’t forget to pack any chronic medications or special prescriptions that you use – and make sure you are carrying more than enough for your holiday.

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The information provided in this article was correct at the time of publishing. At Mediclinic we endeavour to provide our patients and readers with accurate and reliable information, which is why we continually review and update our content. However, due to the dynamic nature of clinical information and medicine, some information may from time to time become outdated prior to revision.