From the odd, loose plaster to an old thermometer, most homes will have the odd medical supply somewhere in the house. When your home is well stocked with medical equipment, it gives you the ability to respond more quickly and effectively to both illness and injuries. Being able to respond more quickly to common ailments help you to potentially limit the number of damages that might occur.
If you are wondering what medical equipment you should be keeping in your home, this list is here to help by outlining all the essential medical supplies for domestic use.
A First Aid Kit
The first essential piece of equipment that you should have in your home is the first aid kit. Every household needs to have a well-stocked medical-grade first aid kit. Some of the equipment that should be found in a medical-grade first aid kit includes:
- Bandages
- Safety pins (multiple sizes)
- Oral rehydration salts (to be used in cases of diarrhea)
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Instant cold packs
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic solution or towelettes
- A thermometer
- Sterile saline
- A medical spoon, cup, or syringe
- A medical-grade thermometer
A fully stocked first aid kit can prove invaluable in times of crisis, as it can provide you with the ability to stabilize an individual before they can seek further medical help at a hospital. It is also helpful for more minor injuries that do not necessarily need medical attention like small scrapes and grazes.
It is useful to have a well-stocked first aid kit and learn more about how to use it.
Cleaning Supplies
It has become very apparent in recent years that medical supplies include pills and bandages and cleaning and disinfectant supplies. In fact, the popular medical-supermarket.com report that some of their best-selling medical supplies are, in fact, disinfecting wipes.
All households should be stocked with disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers to prevent the spread of disease and treat injuries.
Medications
Another essential piece of medical equipment that you should aim to have in your home is medication. Several medications are recommended to be stocked in the domestic setting; these include:
- Antiacids
- Antihistamines
- Aloe vera gel
- Anti-diarrhoea medication
- Laxatives
- Calamine lotion
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Cold and flu medications
- Pain killers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
Of course, if anyone in the household has specific medical needs, this list should include their personal medication needs.
It is also recommended that you keep some aspirin in the house as it can prove invaluable if an adult suddenly experiences unexplained chest pain. However, you should be mindful about who receives aspirin, as some people can be allergic or experience bleeding problems when given the medication.
It is always important that you consider where your medication is being stored, as you should keep it away from children and animals at all times. Having a well-stocked home can help you minimize the effects of aliments and prevent and treat illness and injuries, so it is always useful to check your supply levels to ensure your home is fully stocked.
