Prepared For The Unexpected
Most “accidents” are preventable, but they happen… so it’s wise to be prepared.
Perhaps it’s a cut from a broken glass or plate. Or maybe it’s a child who falls while skating. Or, who hasn’t “accidentally” touched a hot stove element? Injury prevention experts don’t like to call these things “accidents” because most accidents are preventable. But they happen, so it’s wise to be prepared.
The Canadian Red Cross has a motto that’s worth remembering – “Prepare for Life”. One way to do that is to ensure you have a good first aid kit and basic medical supplies at hand.
Your Medicine Cabinet
Of course, it’s crucial these medications be kept well out of reach of children, at all times.
• Prescriptions or over-the-counter medication: These may include pills for high blood pressure, blood thinners like Aspirin, cholesterol medication, asthma inhalers or insulin.
• Painkillers: Use for fever or pain as a result of teething, injury, muscle pain or headaches. If you have kids, keep children’s versions in stock.
• Antihistamines for allergic reactions: An allergy medication such as Benadryl should be on hand in case of hives or other symptoms of allergic reaction. Those with life-threatening allergies to medications, insects or food, known as anaphylaxis should have epinephrine on hand, available as an auto-injector pen called the “EpiPen”.
• Topical antibiotics: These include ointments such as Polysporin, which can be applied to clean cuts or scrapes to prevent infection.
Your Home Medical Kit
Keep it simple… and stick to only those things you’ll actually need and use. It’s wise to keep your first aid kit in a central spot and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is. Just in case…
Here’s a good list to get you started.
• Health card numbers for all members of the family
• First Aid Manual
• List of emergency telephone numbers. Phone numbers for your workplace, cell phone and emergency contacts such as grandparents or neighbours
• A pen and notepad to record medications, dosages, symptoms, etc.
• A thermometer
• Tensor bandages and basic splints used to immobilize injuries to a joint or limb. Sterile bandages or gauze with adhesive tape.
• Tweezers and scissors with rounded tips
• Antibiotic ointment for minor burns, cuts, and scrapes
• Safety pins: To fasten bandages
• Rubber gloves to protect yourself and reduce the risk of infection when treating open wounds. Pocket barrier masks. Used to administer rescue breathing (mouth to mouth).
First aid kits are available, pre-assembled, from the Red Cross and St. John’s Ambulance Canada. Please see their website for more details. www.redcross.ca, www.sja.ca.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
