Health Watch By Steve Mullenix

The North Jefferson News



Ever go to the medicine chest looking for a band-aid, and there’s not one there?

What about when that knife slips while chopping an onion, and you go look for the hydrogen peroxide to wash the cut, and find the top of the bottle is rusted shut? (I recently threw away a bottle of Big B peroxide. How old could that be?)

Simple injuries happen every day, and it’s relatively easy to be prepared for these daily events. Maybe it’s time to acquire or replace a few of those items.

“First aid” is like being the first responder, and as the name says, providing the first or initial aid to the sick or injured individual.

The first thing to do is to evaluate the individual to determine the extent of the injury and decide if additional medical attention is needed. Don’t hesitate to call for professional help if the victim in unconscious, bleeding profusely or having difficulty breathing. For the sake of this article, we will spend our time looking at the basics that you should have in your home first aid kit.

First, spend a few minutes gathering all your first aid items together. Get those from the medicine cabinet, the things off the work bench in the garage and the back of the kitchen cabinet.

Sit at the table and inventory the items. Check expiration dates and dispose of those expired. Make a list of needed items to have ready for your next visit to the store.

You are probably wondering what exactly is needed besides a Band-Aid and wound cleanser. The following list may help:



First aid essentials

•Two pairs of latex, or other gloves (if you are allergic to latex)

• Cleansing agent and antiseptic towelettes to disinfect

• Sterile dressing (gauze sponges) to stop bleeding

• Non-stick sterile pads

• Roll of adhesive tape

• Cotton tip applicators

• Antibiotic ointment for the prevention of infection

• Burn ointment

• Adhesive bandages (band aids) in a variety of sizes

• Eye wash solution — to flush the eyes if necessary

• Thermometer

• Ice Pack

• Medications — such as Tylenol, or Ibuprofen for pain or fever, and Benadryl for itching

• Finger splints

• Tweezers

• Round eye pads

The above listed items are the basic, but if you want to be a little more prepared, you could consider the addition of the following items for your first aid kit.

• Insect bite relief swabs

• Antacid tablets

• Roll gauze dressing

• Small pair of scissors

• Butterfly closures

• Elastic or ACE bandage

• Arm sling

Next, get a strong sturdy box, and have some fun decorating it. This will easily identify it as a first aid box. Start filling the box with the basic necessities for a first aid kit.

A well-stocked first-aid kit kept within easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Having supplies gathered ahead of time will help you handle an emergency at a moment’s notice.

Remember, at any time you or a family member can suffer a cut, burn or other injury. If you have the basic supplies, you will be prepared to provide assistance to your loved ones. It would be a good idea to keep a first-aid kit in your home and car. Also, be sure to take a first-aid kit on family vacations.

Most injuries are often not life threatening and do not require immediate professional medical attention. Knowing how to treat these minor injuries can make the difference in an emergency.

Consider taking a basic first aid class to provide a better understanding of how to treat the minor injuries.

Steve Mullenix (R.Ph) co-owns The Pharmacy in Mount Olive with his wife, Sherry Mullenix (J.D., R.N.). They can be reached at 631-1201.