Today, we’ll discuss various uncommon First Aid items that we should consider having on hand and adding to our stash, so we’re prepared for potential first aid issues. Building a first aid kit is a great way to ensure that you’ll have easy access to essential tools during a medical emergency.
It’s always a good idea to have one of these kits at home and in your car, especially if you travel often, because you never know what could happen while you’re on the road.
While most people are familiar with the essential items to include in these kits, such as aspirin, gauze/bandages, and antiseptic ointment, a few unusual items are worth adding to your first aid kit. If you’re unsure what those uncommon items are, check out this detailed list! In case you missed this post, here are the First Aid Kits.
In case you need a Printable First Aid Kit List
Uncommon First Aid Items
It’s beneficial to have a variety of remedies available when you need healing medications quickly. Some may be considered home remedies that don’t require a prescription, but most are over-the-counter solutions that can be purchased in many local stores.
Super Glue or VetBond
If you have a small cut, it helps to have some superglue available. You’re probably wondering why you’d need superglue in your kit. When you have a minor cut that continues to bleed, you can clean it by wiping away the blood and dirt with an antiseptic and then quickly applying super glue to the affected area.
It’s a great way to stop the bleeding, allowing your injury to start healing. You won’t need a lot of superglue to make this happen.
Additionally, avoid using superglue on a significant wound, as it may not be effective. Be aware that applying it may cause the wound to sting briefly. Super Glue or VetBond. If you experience any allergic reactions, discontinue use of this remedy immediately.
Note that I’ve heard the following items are also good to have around to stop the bleeding:
Blood Stop – Advanced Clotting Spray
Sam Soft Splint
Matt reminded me to have a few bendable soft splints available for broken arms, etc., such as Sam Soft Splints. This is a short-term solution until you can see your healthcare provider for professional treatment.
Arnicare Gel
I had a special friend, Lisa, send me pictures of her arm after a particular surgery; she said it was in excruciating pain, swollen, and bruised. Guess what? This stuff helped. Arnicare Gel. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your pictures and experience with this product.
After Surgery
This is where her Fistula was surgically inserted, ready for her when she would go on dialysis. Update: now 1-1/2 years later, she is on dialysis.
Two Weeks Later
My Friend is now on Dialysis
Lisa mentioned some things people on dialysis need that you may not realize. They often get very cold and require items to warm their bodies. I had no idea; she is educating me so I can help my readers help those they know who are on dialysis.
Here’s the deal: this is my friend, with whom we used to organize things together and discuss the preparedness items we all need. We would go to lunch and giggle the whole time. Life has changed. It’s actually shocking because she and I used to be so healthy.
I strongly believe that I should share how you can help a family member or friend on dialysis feel a little more at ease.
Things They Would Need/Love During Their Dialysis
- Dialysis Sweatshirt with Port Openings (featuring zippers for blood tests, such as blood pressure, etc.)
- A Warm Wearable Blanket
- Warm Socks/Comfortable Soft Slippers
- Stretchy Pants
- Touchscreen-Friendly Gloves
- A Hat to keep their head Warm
- Phone Charger Power Bank
- Something to listen to or download a movie on an iPad or Kindle (their arm is hooked to the dialysis machine and cannot move for 1-4 hours during the dialysis)
- Electric Hand Warmers
- Wifi is limited or sketchy in some Hospitals (be prepared with downloaded movies or Audible books to help them during their dialysis)
- Sometimes they Get Anxiety (have them ask their doctor for help)
- Leg Cramps (pickle juice and mustard packets help)
- No Visitors are Allowed, Just FYI
- Put together a Bag For Them with these Items
Zanfel
Thank you, Ray, for reminding me about this product for Poison Ivy. Zanfel
Hand Sanitizer
Although it may not seem uncommon in today’s world due to its widespread use, hand sanitizer is an excellent addition to your first-aid kit. While most people wouldn’t think to put it in the kit, it’s great to have access to it because it kills germs and bacteria on the spot.
Various types of hand sanitizers are available, so be sure to try different ones if you are prone to allergies and have any reactions.
Scissors
Always have a good pair of scissors in your first aid kit. You may consider sharper scissors than the safety ones often found in kits. Safety scissors are typically not as sharp as needed in emergency situations. Trauma/Medical Shears
There are several good reasons to include scissors in your first aid kit. First, you may need to cut gauze and bandages to fit specific wounds.
Second, if you need to create a tourniquet in an emergency, you may require scissors to cut the fabric of a T-shirt or another suitable material. Get yourself a good pair of sharp scissors to put to good use!
To tie in with the scissors theme, I also suggest considering a suture kit. Mark and I took a first aid class some years ago, and they taught us how to sew up a wound. I think the instructor brought some pigskin for us to practice with. It was weird, but it was useful information we may need to use someday.
Duct Tape
Many people are unaware that duct tape can be a valuable resource in emergencies. For example, if you don’t have bandages and need to protect an open wound, use duct tape to apply gauze and keep it in place. Duct Tape or Gorilla Duct Tape is recommended.
While you can use it on yourself if you sustain an injury, duct tape can also be useful for fixing issues with your vehicle and belongings when you’re away from home.
It’s always good to have because of its durability and many uses. If you plan to add it to your first aid kit, ensure you’re getting a good brand that is as reliable as possible when needed.
Dental floss, razor blades, braided fishing lines, and goggles are other valuable items in a pinch. Take a look and consider how they could make a difference during an emergency.
Solar Phone Charger
A solar phone charger is a must-have, especially if you like traveling in your vehicle to new places. If you don’t have an electrical source for charging your phone, it can die, and you won’t be able to stay connected with your loved ones. Solar Phone Charger
Bring a solar phone charger with you in your first aid kit to ensure you can charge your phone if it runs out of battery. If possible, consider getting a battery-operated charger in case you need power during the night.
Of course, you can always bring spare batteries just in case the battery-operated charger dies when you need it the most.
Strong Antiseptic
It may not be one of the things you’d expect to see in a first aid kit, but it’s beneficial for several reasons. First, the antiseptic works as both a disinfectant and an anesthetic, making it a valuable addition to your first aid kit. You can use it to clean open wounds to avoid infection by killing germs.
It also works on poison ivy, bug bites, bee stings, and other skin irritations. Best of all, it doesn’t matter what kind you use. You don’t need to buy an expensive brand to add to your first aid kit. You can try regular fluids, gels, and creams until you find one that suits your needs.
Instead, grab an affordable bottle and place it in the kit with the rest of your equipment to use when needed. Isopropyl Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide
Safety Pins
Be sure to include a few safety pins in your first aid kit. These pins can help you keep bandages in place when wrapping an arm, leg, or other part of the body. They can also keep wraps and bandages secure and in place until you seek professional medical treatment at a hospital or urgent care facility.
Old T-Shirt
Remember to pack an old T-shirt in your first aid kit. You never know when you might need some material, whether to make a tourniquet or apply pressure to a wound to stop the bleeding. Use a thick and durable T-shirt that you no longer wear. Adding this garment to your first aid kit doesn’t hurt because unexpected emergencies can occur at inconvenient times.
Uncommon First Aid Items We Should All Have
Some other items I suggest could be helpful are listed below. Take a few minutes to check them out and see if you think they are worthy of inclusion in your first aid supply kit or cabinet:
Tampons – Sanitary Napkins
Chewable Ginger
Natural Antibiotics – like honey
Hard Candies
Final Word
Ensure you’re fully prepared for emergencies by packing unusual items into your first aid kit with the rest of your supplies. While things like a potent antiseptic, an old t-shirt, safety pins, and scissors might not sound like the essential items you could put to good use in an emergency, they’re more convenient and effective than you might think.
So, if you’d rather be safe than sorry, grab these items while they’re on sale and add them to your homemade first aid kit. I hope you enjoyed my post on the uncommon first-aid items we should all have. If you have other items you think I should have included, please let me know so my readers can benefit from your experience. May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Green First Aid Kit Depositphotos_12355423_s-2019
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