The home first-aid kit for crises – what belongs in it
In a crisis, ambulances, hospitals and pharmacies may be hard to reach for a while. With a well-stocked first-aid kit you can treat minor complaints yourself.
Your personal medication
The most important thing first: if you need medication regularly, the BBK recommends a supply for at least ten days. Talk to your doctor about it. A medication plan and a list of conditions and allergies also help the ambulance team in an emergency.
The BBK's list
- painkillers and medicine to reduce fever
- thermometer, tweezers, scissors
- nose drops or nasal spray, cold remedies
- remedies for diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea
- electrolytes to replace lost fluids
- burn, wound and healing ointment
- skin and wound disinfectant
- disposable gloves
- plasters and bandages, a burn dressing
- cold compress, cooling gel for bruises
- remedies for sunburn and insect bites
Storing it correctly
- Lockable and out of children's reach – ideally a cabinet with an open section for bandages and a lockable section for medication.
- Cool and dry, in a room that is barely heated. The bathroom is the wrong place – it is too damp and too warm there.
- Check it regularly: expired medication works less well or can be harmful. Replace it in time. According to the BBK it can go in household waste in Germany – otherwise ask your pharmacy or municipality how to dispose of it where you live.