People in every household face incidents and injuries regularly, but most of them lack the awareness of having a first aid kit. Sometimes, having an organized first aid kit at your home can help prevent an injury from worsening and can often save lives. Giving first aid at home can save any reoccurring trips to a clinic or hospital as initial treatment is given to the patient before reaching the medical professionals. This is especially crucial if an injury involves blood loss. One important thing to remember is that you can offer temporary aid to someone hurt. However, they may still need to call emergency services, depending on the severity of the incident.

Cesvi Pakistan, in collaboration with ECHO (European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations), is dedicated to working in the Mirpur Khas district of South Sindh to educate the local population to better prepare to face natural disasters and the risks associated with them, minimizing the loss of lives and valuables.

Educating the target audience about readying a first aid kit is part and parcel of that ongoing campaign titled “Rehna Hai Tayaar” or “We Have to Be Prepared”. This article is included in the series of efforts to raise the awareness level of the masses about disaster preparedness and how simple things like a first aid kit at home or an emergency supplies kit can save lives.

The list of things to include in your home first aid kit should consist of Emergency contact numbers for relatives, emergency medical service numbers, personal doctors and your local poison control centre, a First aid manual, Band-Aids, Hydrogen peroxide, Thermometer, Sterile gauze pads, Adhesive tape and bandages, Triangular bandages, Safety pins, Scissors, Tweezers, Disposable non-latex gloves, Antiseptic wipes or soap, Instant cold packs, Emergency blanket, Eye patch and CPR mask or face shield.

Additional Precaution – An Emergency Supplies Kit for Natural Disasters

In case of a natural disaster, it’s important to be prepared and have an Emergency Supplies Kit consisting of some of these essential items in your household like Bottled water, Non-perishable food, a flashlight with extra batteries, Battery-powered radio, a Whistle, Family emergency plan, Spare cash, Important documents and photocopies such as identification (CNIC), health card, passport, birth certificate, insurance and bank records, Candles, matches or lighter, Extra clothing to change into, Sleeping bags, Personal hygiene items, Duct tape, Prescriptions and medications, Toilet paper, Extra mobile chargers, Baby food supplies, Tool kit, etc.

You and your loved ones can feel more at ease if you have a first aid kit and emergency supply bag at home. Just be sure to re-stock supplies every so often and ensure everyone in the household knows where the first aid kit is. Also, make sure the batteries in your radio and torch are in working order, and your emergency supplies kit is updated as well.