First aid for families

Everyone at some time has been, or will be faced with a minor or major injury to themselves or others: Cuts, burns, and stings and more serious things such as heart attacks and broken bones.

Knowing what to do in these situations can prevent excessive trauma or pain, and in some cases can save a life.

Many injuries need professional help as soon as possible: The dirt in a seemingly innocent cut can carry infections such as tetanus; the pain of earache may be a symptom of middle ear infection, a potentially serious condition.

There are three things needed in order to be an effective helper.

First, take a short first-aid course with a reputable organization such as American Red Cross or St John Ambulance. Buy a good reference book on first aid and keep it handy. If possible, familiarize yourself with the most common procedures before something happens: The middle of a crisis is not a good time to have to learn a new skill.

Second, provide the car and house with well-equipped first-aid boxes. Check them regularly and re-stock as supplies run low. Ideally, the containers should be robust, weatherproof, and, if you have children, lockable. You can use a small, bright red, metal toolbox.

Keep a list of emergency numbers (ambulance, doctor, hospitals, poisons information center) both in the first-aid boxes and next to the telephone.

The first-aid box

Every home and car should have a well-equipped first-aid box. The ability to give prompt assistance can often prevent excessive pain and trauma and, in some cases, save a life.

The following first-aid box contents are in addition to the usual bandages, sticking plasters, tweezers, and scissors. If you are a frequent traveler (particularly overseas), you may find it easier to carry an essential oil first-aid kit rather than the more conventional one.

You can make some items for your first-aid box from your home-grown herbs, while others are best bought ready-made from the health food shop or pharmacy.

You may, of course, wish to vary these suggestions for your first-aid supplies to suit your own family needs. A first-aid box should contain immediate remedies for all sorts of injuries, including sport. Keep the contents of the first-aid box clean to avoid cross infection.

Aloe vera gel

Buy a reputable brand of pure aloe vera gel and use it on minor burns and scalds.

Arnica cream

This is a wonderful remedy for bruising but must never e used on broken skin.

Castor oil

Castor oil comes from the seed of the castor oil plant and was once used as a laxative, but is no longer considered safe treatment. As an external remedy, it has amazing drawing power, soothing as it draws splinters or foreign bodies from the flesh.

Chamomile tea bags

Idea to calm tension, depression and anxiety, insomnia, internal inflammation such as gastritis, diarrhea, cystitis, menstrual pain, PMS.
Charcoal tablets

This antacid remedy is a powerful absorbent in the stomach and intestinal tract, acting like a sponge. Modern charcoal is “activated”, treated with steam to make it even more absorbent. It disinfects and deodorizes, picks up harmful bacteria and passes them from the body. Some say it can cure a hangover. Use it with care as it can cause constipation if overused, but it is useful to treat simple diarrhea.