Did you know? Many child injuries and elderly falls occur at home, as that is where they spend the most time. That’s why having basic first aid knowledge and keeping a well-stocked first aid kit at home is so important.
Being prepared can make all the difference in preventing complications and saving lives during an emergency.
The most frequent accidents at home include:
- Falls, particularly among seniors and young children
- Cuts and scrapes from kitchen tools or sharp objects
- Burns and scalds caused by hot water or steam
- Choking, which is more common among children and the elderly
- Blunt injuries from slips, trips or falling objects
Learning to prevent such accidents can help, but it is also important to know how to treat these accidents to reduce pain and prevent complications.
It’s also important to have a first aid kit at home. You can build one yourself, or buy a ready-made first aid kit to keep.
The kit should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from children. You should also check it regularly so you can restock and replace any expired items.
Include these essentials in your first aid kit:
- Adhesive tape, plasters and sterile bandages
- Alcohol swabs and antiseptic cream
- Cotton balls, tweezers and scissors
- Disposable gloves and hand sanitiser
- Triangular and crepe bandages with safety pins
- Sterile saline solution or eye wash
You may also want to have:
- Thermometer
- Hydrocortisone or calamine lotion for skin irritation
- Pain relief (use paracetamol or ibuprofen instead of aspirin for children)
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Insect repellent and cough medicine
Before using any medication, ensure it’s within expiry and that the person isn’t allergic to it.
Stock up on first aid supplies, wound-care products and other health essentials at FairPrice Online or your nearest Unity Pharmacy.
Our pharmacists can guide you on what to include, how to use items safely, and when to seek medical attention, so your home is ready for whatever comes your way!
