First aid essentials for trips and falls

When dealing with trips and falls, having a well-prepared first aid kit is essential for attending to injuries and preventing further complications. Here are some first-aid essentials for treating trips and falls that you should keep handy at home.

Bandages and dressings are always needed

Adhesive bandages for covering small cuts and scrapes come in various sizes. Sterile gauze pads are useful for covering larger wounds and controlling bleeding. Make sure you have adhesive tape in your kit so that you can secure your dressings and bandages.

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Always have cleaning supplies among your essentials

Antiseptic wipes will help clean wounds and prevent infection. A saline solution for rinsing dirt and debris from wounds and hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting wounds should also form part of the kit. Sterile gloves are always useful and these help to maintain hygiene while treating wounds.

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What else should I keep in the kit?

Scissors and tweezers are useful for cutting bandages and removing debris from wounds. Instant cold packs can be helpful in reducing swelling and pain from sprains and bruises if you have an accident.

An important part of the kit is a thermal blanket. This will help to prevent shock and maintain body temperature. Pain relief medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can come in handy too.

What else should I know?

Check for potential dangers around the injured person and make sure the area is safe before attending to them. Check the responsiveness by gently tapping, and talk to the person to see if they are conscious.

Always call for help if the person has fallen from a height. Dial 999 for emergency assistance if the person is seriously injured, unconscious, or if there are suspected fractures or severe bleeding.