NO parent likes to think about this, but thousands of South African children die every year, as a result of drowning, burns, poisoning and falls from bunk beds, roofs, roller skates and skateboards.
This article unpacks the importance of a first aid kit and essential contents, so you’re prepared for situations where urgent treatment for an injury is required – or when professional medical care is either unavailable or unnecessary.
ALSO READ: 5 steps to keep children safe at home
Some of the most common incidents that can happen at home include:
Burns and scalds
Cuts and grazes
Ingesting chemicals
Fever
Headaches
Insect bites
ALSO READ: What to do at an accident scene
What should you include?
Nurse and first aid author Linda Buys said your first aid kit can’t do without the following basics:
-Adhesive and duct tape, to hold a dressing or splint in place
-‘Butterfly’ bandages, to hold the edges of a cut together
-Non-stick sterile bandages, for simple cuts or abrasions
-Sterile gauze, to control bleeding and prevent contamination
-Sterile roller bandages, to support sprained or sore muscles
-Anti-itch lotion, for relief of insect bites, itching and minor skin irritations
-Antibiotic ointment, to prevent infection of minor wounds
-Antiseptic ointment, solution, spray or wipes, for cleansing wounds
-Cotton wool, cotton balls, and cotton buds or swabs
-Disposable non-latex medical gloves (several pairs)
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