First-aid Boxes

- Choose a waterproof box that is easy to identify and carry (it is easier to carry it to the patient than the patient to it!)

- It should have a childproof lock

- It should be kept out of the reach of children but in a handy place for adults.

Contents

- First aid manual – easy to use guide can refresh the memory if panic sets in.

- Painkillers – age appropriate analgesia, usually containing paracetamol or ibuprofen. (paracetamol has an antipyretic property which means it helps bring down temperatures and ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory which is    beneficial in sprains and strains).
Calpol is the child equivalent; you must also have a measuring device handy for this to ensure the correct dose is given.

Dressings

- Sticky plasters- variety of sizes

- Adhesive tape

- Bandages/tubular bandages such as tubi-grip/triangular bandages for slings

- Eye pads

- Sterile gauze dressings

- Individual wound dressing (thick gauze)

- NO COTTON WOOL! Cotton wool leaves fibres in a wound that could become infected.

- Antiseptic cream or spray/wipes - To apply to cuts, grazes and minor burns to prevent infection, some also contain mild anaesthetic.

- Antihistamine cream/tablets

- Calamine lotion

- Thermometer – strip, digital or ear

Extras

- safety pins

- Disposable gloves

- Resuscitation face shield

- Scissors

- Tweezers

- Ice packs/gels – kept in the fridge (remember to wrap before putting on the skin)

- Saline solution/eye bath

It is a legality in Spain to carry a first aid box in your car but also very sensible to have one readily available at home too.

They are available ready made in most farmacia’s and supermarkets or online but it is just as easy to make your own!

Nicki Wakeman - Almeria Angels