Anyone can meet with emergencies like accidents or have falls for no fault of theirs. So, you must always be prepared to tackle such situations. One way to prepare yourself is to maintain a first aid kit with essential items like bandages, cotton, and tape. You may also sign up for a first aid course to learn about lifesaving techniques like CPR and AED. Many organizations in our country offer these courses.

First aid kits – Importance and items to collect
A first aid kit can help you respond to an emergency quickly, which can save a life. While the market has ready-to-use kits, you can also assemble one yourself. Here is a list of first aid items you will need to collect:

Bandage strips in all sizes
Adhesive tapes
Rubber tourniquet
Super glue
Non-stick sterile bandages
Instant cold packs
Eye pad and eyewash solution
Cotton swabs
Disposable gloves
Petroleum jelly
Duct tape
Hand sanitizer
Syringe
Thermometer

This checklist contains the general items you should have in your kit. You must also have a first-aid manual in the box that tells users how to use these tools correctly for the best results. Furthermore, keep your contact information and health history card in the box. If possible, ensure you have a kit at home, in your car, and in your office.

First aid training courses
First aid training is a necessity of the hour, and anyone who can sign up should do so. Various courses are offered through schools, colleges, societies, NGOs, and government agencies. These programs can help you assist your family, friends, and strangers during emergencies. A few types of courses that anyone can pursue are listed below:

CPR training
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is considered an essential life skill. It can come in handy when someone’s heartbeat or breathing has stopped. The technique is commonly applied during sudden cardiac arrest and choking hazards.

AED training
Automated external defibrillator training helps people who face sudden cardiac arrests. Around 436,000 people die of heart attacks every year, as per a report by the American Heart Association. With the right AED training, many of these lives can be saved.

Fire extinguisher training
Fire extinguishers are installed everywhere: in trains, schools, offices, homes, and public places. This program teaches people to identify the type of fire and use fire extinguishers correctly. Attempting to fight fire without training can be detrimental.

Management training
Management training is useful during an unprecedented illness, injury, or hazard. It teaches you to assess and manage the affected person better without panicking.

Lifeguard training
It helps tackle water emergencies. Many people die by drowning in swimming pools, lakes, and seas, so this is an important program. As a lifeguard, you can save the lives of hundreds of people.

CNA training
Certified nurse assistant training is an educational course for students or people willing to be nurses. It deals with everything from feeding patients to managing health supplies.

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. So, it is vital to be prepared with a first aid kit and the right training.