Every home should have a first aid kit and here is why

May 26, 2021 3 min read

Here at HarmLess NZ we believe each and every one of us should be living our best life and to do so involves some combination of watching or participating in running, leaping, swimming, riding, driving, exploring, making, creating or loving.

Sounds like fun doesn’t it. Count us in!!

first aid kits, first aid box, medical kit, industrial first aid, first aid kit items, first aid kit list, first aid kit box, best first aid kit, first aid kit supplies, first aid bag, car first aid kit, basic first aid kit, mini first aid kit, survival first aid kit, first aid equipment, pet first aid kit, home first aid kit,, small first aid kit, first aid tape, red cross first aid kit, tactical first aid kit, first aid items, first aid kit bunnings, first aid kit bag, emergency first aid kit, emergency medical kit, medical kit bag, first kit,, family first aid kit, tactical medical kits, aid box, best first aid kit for car, medical box kit, waterproof first aid kit, personal first aid kit, first aid kit refills, medical kit list, workplace first aid kit, vehicle first aid kit, buy first aid kit, first aid kit items list, office first aid kit, first and kit, medical first aid kit, professional first aid kit, survival medical kit, first aid box for home, compact first aid kit, first aid kit australia, home first aid kit list, first aid pack, complete first aid kit, the first aid kit, medical kit for home, marine first aid, first aid kit equipment,

If you are anything at all like us, these activities have the capacity to deliver immense amounts of joy… but, every so often, they’ll most likely involve a bit of a whoopsie or two as well.

While a whoopsie usually results in a fabulous story to regale for years to come, we want to ensure that any injuries incurred heal in the quickest time possible.

For this reason, we believe it is essential to have a well equipped first aid kit wherever it is you spend your time enjoying life – at home, in your car, on your boat, in your camper, in your backpack, on your bike. Chances are you won’t use it that often, but when you need it, you’ll be grateful you have it close at hand.

A well-stocked first aid kit gives you tools to prevent pretty much any situation from becoming worse and it gives you the confidence to be able to care for a loved one (or a complete stranger for that matter) in an emergency until required help arrives.

Thankfully, most bumps and injuries won’t require a trip to the hospital or doctor, but it doesn’t mean they won’t still benefit from a bit of first aid.

DID YOU KNOW?

Simply applying a plaster to a small cut or abrasion can reduce scaring, minimise the chances of infection and protect the wound from further injury.
Applying a splint to a suspected broken bone can reduce pain and swelling in the injured area as well as protect the injured area from further harm.
Saline solution can be used for flushing and rinsing wounds as well as providing relief from pollen and dust particles to irritated eyes.
Applying an ice pack within the first early and often within the first 48 hours of an injury can significantly reduce pain, swelling and bruising to the injured area.

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT?

The answer to this question really depends on what sort of activities you participate in. All the first aid kits on our website include the essential items that every first aid kit should have. Things like, tweezers, CPR mask, scissors, dressings and crepe bandages.

But there are a few other things you should consider, or check to see if they need to be added to your first aid kit too:

Activity	Recommended inclusions
Outdoor and sporting activities	Ice packs Cohesive bandages Splints Sunscreen Eye wash Burn gel Splinter probes
Camping, home cooking, flammable chemicals	Burn gel Fire extinguisher Fire blanket Eye wash Splinter probes
Riding (e.g. bicycles, horses, motorbikes)	Ice packs Cohesive bandages Splints
Using tools that bite (e.g. chainsaws, grinders, pneumatic nail guns)	Trauma dressing Steri Strips Splinter probes
Commercial cooking	Visually detectable plasters Visually detectable bandages Visually detectable dressings Metal detectable plasters Xray detectable plasters
Gardening	Splinter probes Eye wash Steri strips Cohesive bandages

For more specialised tasks there are likely to be a few other supplies to consider. If you know what you are looking for but can’t find it, or would like a bit of advice about what to include, call our friendly team on 0800 724 435 otherwise, happy shopping!

Barb Hutchinson

Also in First Aid Awareness

Dressing Tape: An Essential Tool for Effective Wound Care

November 16, 2023 4 min read

#FirstAidEssentials #SafetyPreparedness First Aid Supplies

Wounds, whether minor cuts or severe lacerations, require proper attention and care to facilitate swift healing and minimise the risk of complications. Dressing tape, often underestimated, can play an important role in this process.