Everyone needs medical attention at some point in their lives. Currently, we are faced with few options, we need to see a doctor now, if it is an emergency we call emergency services or go to A&E., if less serious we call in at our local clinic and if a mild problem you arrange to see your doctor sometime in the next few days. Minor problems we either ignore or treat ourselves at home. Rarely in the UK are we too far away from treatment and usually our ailments are not too serious and we are back up and better very quickly with modern medicines.
Sometimes, we can be well away from emergency services and we need to look after ourselves or imagine that the system has collapsed and there are no doctors unless you know someone local. You have no option; you need to be able to look after yourself.
Everyone, without exception should be able to perform first aid and know the basic procedures. In my view it should be taught at school as one of the compulsory subjects alongside maths and English. If you do not have training then get on a course. St John Ambulance will train you in a recognised first aid course.
You should also have a good first aid kit in your home. There are many available on the market as basic kits which you can add to. In addition you should have another in the car. A decent first aid book should be with every first aid kit. Buy them now if you do not have them. Make sure they have the basics in them and most of these can be bought cheaply at pound shops or from St John Ambulance Supplies. Add in anything else you think you will need. It is always better to have a well stocked kit because you never know what will happen.
Basic Kit contents
Plasters (Various sizes)
Bandages (Triangular bandage plus some rolls)
Scissors
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Dressings (various sizes)
Expandable splint
Micropore tape
Antiseptic spray
Surgical gloves
Mask
CPR masks
Tweezers
Thermometer
Cotton wool
Cotton buds
Safety pins
Eye bath
Sterile water
Cleansing wipes
Torch
A survival blanket.
Remember, this could be life or death. Get yourself on a First Aid course. Keep your kits stocked and replace anything damaged or out of date.