First Aid Rules at Home: What to Include in a Winter First Aid Kit

In winter, a universal first aid kit no longer works – the body reacts differently to temperature, infections, skin damage, and fluid loss than in other seasons. In cold weather, risks are always higher due to seasonal colds, viruses, the likelihood of injuries and falls on slippery surfaces, skin damage from cold, and digestive disorders. A properly assembled first aid kit will not heal or replace qualified medical assistance, but it will help alleviate the condition and prevent complications until there is an opportunity to see a doctor.

What to Put in the First Aid Kit

Wound, Cut, and Scrape Treatment

In winter, it’s easy to damage the skin, and it will heal slowly. Include a small kit to quickly treat injuries (minor traumas, cuts) and cover them to prevent infection:

skin antiseptic for external treatment;
sterile wipes;
bandages;
adhesive dressings;
plasters of various sizes.

Skin Damage from Cold and Minor Household Burns

In winter, it’s very easy to get mild frostbite or encounter symptoms of cold allergy: the skin becomes numb, painful, and later there is burning and redness. The same goes for burns: there are many sources of fire around, and after a long time in the cold, one is tempted to put their hands on a hot radiator. You need products that will ensure dryness, care, and protection to avoid further damaging the epidermis:

sterile wipes;
bandages;
adhesive dressings or plasters;
soothing ointments with panthenol;
pain relievers.

Cold and Fever

Winter is the season for ARVI, and during holidays, with large gatherings of people, the likelihood of catching a virus increases, even if you have a strong immune system. The main task of your first aid kit is to monitor the condition and help the body endure fever without overloading it. Focus on solutions – both adults and children find it hard to drink when they have a fever, and the body quickly loses fluids.

thermometer;
general antipyretic;
solutions for replenishing fluids during fever and chills (for example, electrolytes).

Digestive Disorders

Overeating, stale food at gatherings, dishes at unfamiliar cafes, and street snacks can easily cause intoxication and dehydration. You will need a kit that reduces the intensity of symptoms and supports the normal state of the body until the doctor arrives.

solutions for replenishing fluids;
general-purpose sorbents.

Allergic Reactions

Cold, food factors, and household chemicals are the main triggers that can easily be encountered in winter. Pharmacy products will alleviate mild manifestations. But if symptoms are intense, do not hesitate and consult a doctor immediately.

general antihistamine;
topical treatment for skin reactions.

First Aid Kit is in Order: Check with the Checklist

Before long weekends, it’s worth calmly reviewing the first aid kit once – not to buy everything randomly, but to ensure that the basic items are indeed ready for use.

Expiration dates are in order.
You have enough supplies: wipes, bandages, plasters.
There are products for adults and children (dosages of medications differ, many are not universal).
Everyone in the house knows where it is stored.
Storage conditions are followed: the place is dark, dry, without sources of moisture.

This Can Be Dangerous

In the hustle and bustle of winter holidays, it’s easy to lose track and not notice that symptoms are worsening. Or it’s easier to "take a pill" to quickly improve the condition. But these mistakes can be fatal – just in case, study the list below. You should not:

Take antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.
Use potent medications if you are not sure that the indications are sufficient.
Ignore the dosage.
Combine several antipyretic medications at the same time if the fever does not decrease quickly.
Avoid consulting a doctor if the condition worsens.