Do you have a first-aid kit at home or in the office? Almost everyone has to use one at some point in their lives, even if it’s to apply a bandage. However, would you know what to do if you had a real emergency on your hands? While you don’t need a first-aid certification to own a basic first-aid kit, you should know how to use it properly in the case of an emergency.

4 Common FAQ People Have About First-Aid Kits

Why is it essential to have a first-aid kit?

Whether you’re medically trained or not, everyone should have a first-aid kit. They usually contain everything you need to handle most minor injuries that could occur during tasks you might take on at work or home. While you can have a generic kit that includes generally useful items such as antiseptic cream and bandages, the most effective kits are those that are made for specific purposes and contain items appropriate to the activity in which you’re about to partake. You can find kits made for particular workplaces, like factories and other industrial settings, as well as ones made for environments that involve children, like schools.

How can first aid save lives?

A comprehensive first-aid kit can help prevent minor injuries from escalating. The equipment inside may seem basic, but they can help control bleeding and other injuries long enough for the emergency services to arrive and take over. A tourniquet can prevent excessive blood loss, while aspirin can help an adult who’s showing signs of having a heart attack.

Do you need first-aid certification to use a first-aid kit?

While you certainly don’t need a first-aid certification, you can never be too prepared when it comes to knowing how to treat ailments. Sometimes a little knowledge can be dangerous if you think you know more than you do. There are plenty of well-recognized courses you can take that will give you an excellent working knowledge of your first-aid kit and keep you ready for most situations.

Do first-aid kits expire?

As with all medications, there will be some elements of your first-aid kit that will expire if not used for a long time or that have a finite lifespan once opened. Check your first-aid kit every 12 weeks or so, and replace anything that is about to be out of date. This way, you know your equipment is up-to-date and that you are stocked up with all of the materials you may need.

Northern KY Emergency Medical Services (NKEMS) are the premier first-aid training resource in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. Whether you belong to a corporate organization, you’re a healthcare provider, or you’re a member of the local community keen to help should the need arise, NKEMS provides you with the training you need when it’s needed most. With courses including first-responder training, first-aid certification, and OSHA compliance, get in touch today to take your learning to the next level. Call (859) 572-4511 today or visit their website to find out more about a course or to book one for you or your workplace.