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medicines and treatments

First aid kits

Whether at home, out and about or in the workplace, minor accidents can happen or someone can fall ill. It is important to have a range of simple remedies and minor treatments available at all times.

A first aid kid should contain the following :

• Paracetamol and aspirin - which should not be given to asthmatics or children under 12)
• Indegestion tablets
• Travel sickness tablets
• Sunscreen and sunburn treatments
• Tweezers and scissors
• A thermometer
• A selection of plasters, bandages, and dressings
• Antiseptic wipes and non-absorbent cotton wool

Remember

• First aid kits should be kept out of the reach of children, locked away if necessary.
• Instructions must be followed and a dosage higher than prescribed should not be taken in any circumstances.
• Keep an eye on expiry dates of products. You must not use any medicines which are out-of-date or past their sell-by date.
• Take any unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to pharmacies1.

When going on holiday

It is important to check before you go on holiday if any injections or treatment is necessary. You should also carry an emergency first aid kit which, according to the Department of Health should contain :

• 2 x 5m syringes
• 5 x needles (preferably in two different sizes
• 1 dental needle
• 1 intrevaneous cannula
• 1 skin suture with needle
• 1 packet skin closure strips
• 5 alcohol swabs for cleansing skin
• 5cm x 5cm and 10cm x 10cm non-stick dressings
• 1 roll surgical tape.

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