If you're building a first aid kit, there are a couple of important things to take into consideration. Your comprehensive personal needs, the kit's placement, and situational supplies are all key. You want to make sure your gear is not only fully stocked with the things you need but that it's conveniently placed and easy to get to when you need it. Following these guidelines, you can make sure you're building the best protection possible.
Making A Kit Your Own
Cover wounds with a little color.Getty Images
It's easy to buy a basic first aid kit, and there are plenty of distributors from the Red Cross to Amazon to your local drugstore. These include things like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain medication, etc. This a fantastic place to start, but if you're looking for a first aid kit that's more personalized, then you should start taking note of your specific needs. If you have medication that you need, whether it's for physical or mental health, then carry a backup of that medication. Be sure to check out the basics of other kits so you don't accidentally miss an important component when building your own.
Making It Fit Your Space
Buying supplies in bulk makes it easier to build multiple kits and keep them restocked.Getty Images
If you're building or buying a first aid kit, you should get more than one, as you never know when an emergency might occur. It's a great idea to design your larger office kit with disasters or emergencies in mind. It's also important to consider your environment and the type of supplies you'll need. If you're packing a kit and in an area prone to blizzards, pack some hand warmers for the cold. First aid is a key element of every earthquake preparedness kit. Simple changes like this can up the usefulness quotient of your personal first aid kit. Disaster kits are much larger and more comprehensive, but adding some disaster kit supplies into your regular first aid can be lifesaving.
Make Sure Its Office-Approved
Keep your kit in a safe place where it won't get damaged.Getty Images
If you're making your official office first aid kit, then you need to check the OSHA regulations. If you go to the US Department of Labor's website they clearly list out the mandatory components of your workplace first aid kit. Every office is different, so make sure your kit is suited to your space. Think about where the safest location to keep it is, whether you need a waterproof container or something that can fit into a smaller space.
Making a kit can be easy and is definitely important. Just remember to keep an eye on it because kits are not meant to be forgotten about. Keep the medication and supplies up to date, replenish anything that gets used up, and keep your kit in a safe place away from fluctuating heat, cold, and moisture.
Be prepared and stay safe!
