Must-have items for your first aid kit

Must-Haves for Your First-Aid Kit

Minor injuries can happen at any time, from paper cuts, scrapes to surface burns. That's why every home needs a first aid kit to manage these little accidents. To recognize World First Aid Day on September 9, Norman Tang, Manager of the pharmacy at North York General Hospital and his team about the few important items to always keep at home to treat those unexpected cuts, bumps and scratches.

1) Antiseptic
Antiseptics can be used to clean a wound to stop the growth of bacteria and prevent infections. They can come in the form of a wipe, spray or liquid to irrigate the wound.


2) Antibiotic ointment

Antibiotic ointments help keep your wound safe from bacteria that can cause infections and speeds up the healing process. This is best used after cleaning the wound with water, saline solution or an antiseptic.

3) Bandages

Every home should have adhesive bandages (or more commonly known as “Band-Aids”) in a few different sizes for smaller injuries and dressing (gauze) and adhesive tape for larger injuries. Dressing helps the healing process by stopping the bleeding (promoting your blood to clot), prevent dirt and germs from getting into the wound, and helps ease the pain. Use adhesive tape to help secure the dressing in place.
 

4) Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

Pain relievers like acetaminophen (or more commonly known as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (or more commonly known as Advil) can help relieve some of the pain caused by the wound. Make sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before giving these medications to children.
 

5) Cold packs

Emergency disposable cold packs can be used to prevent swelling from bumps, bruises or strains. For your home first aid kit, you can use reusable ice-packs that can be stored in the freezer.

Pick up everything you need to build your first aid kit at North York General's Pharmacy.

North York General Hospital's Pharmacy
4001 Leslie St. (Ground Floor) Toronto, ON M2K 1E1
416.756.6752


Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday to Sunday – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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