As a university student, you may experience a variety of health issues or emergencies. Your parents aren't around to help in an emergency therefore you must be equipped to handle common ailments and minor injuries in a safe and effective way.
That is why it's essential to have a well-stocked first aid kit. In an emergency, it can help you treat yourself or other students and save you time and money by avoiding a trip to the doctor or pharmacy.
But what should you include in your student first aid kit and where should you keep it? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more. We will also provide you with a free checklist that you can download and use to create your own first aid kit.
What should be included in your first aid kit?
Your first aid kit should include easy access to supplies and equipment that can be used to provide basic emergency medical care for minor injuries and illnesses, such as:
Bandages, plasters and gauze to cover and protect wounds
Disinfectant, antiseptic cream and wash to clean and prevent infection
Scissors and tweezers to cut or remove objects
Painkillers, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine tablets to relieve pain, inflammation and allergies
Thermometer to take body temperature
Ice pack (store gel versions in the freezer) or freezing spray to reduce swelling and bruising
Crepe bandage to support sprains and strains
Gloves and face mask to prevent contamination
In addition, if you enjoy a night out or two, and prefer the taste of alcohol to non-alcoholic beverages, you may need an alka seltzer the next morning to combat the inevitable hangover!
If you suffer from hayfever or are prone to allergies, you may like to stock anti-histamine drops. These can effectively reduce allergic reactions to food, insect bites or stings, and are good to be within rapid reach. Just check the antihistamine doesn't make you drowsy or sleep in class!
And for the colder months, stock up on remedies to help you combat coughs and colds, such as Vitamin C supplements and Strepsils (or similar) for sore throats. Remember hand sanitizer too (as well as frequent hand washing) helps combat germs.
Where should you keep your first aid kit?
You should keep your first aid kit in a cool, dry and easily accessible place. You may want to keep more than one kit in different places, such as your room or rucksack. Make sure the kit is clearly labelled and that everyone who might need it knows where it is. The kitchen is probably a good place.
You should also check your first aid kit regularly and replace any items that are out of date, damaged or used up. You can use our free checklist to keep track of what you have and what you need.
How can you use your first aid kit?
Your first aid kit can help you treat minor injuries and illnesses that are common among students, such as:
Cuts, scrapes and burns
Blisters, splinters and insect bites
Colds, coughs and sore throats
Headaches, stomachaches and hangovers
Allergic reactions, hay fever and asthma
Urinary Tract Infections, yeast infections and menstrual cramps
However, before using anything in your first aid kit, always read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly. You should also check the expiry date on the item and also make sure that you are not allergic to it.
If you are not sure how to use an item or whether it is suitable for your condition, you should seek advice from a pharmacist or a doctor for advice. You can also find reliable information on how to treat minor ailments on websites such as:
Remember that your first aid kit is not a substitute for professional medical care. If your condition is serious or does not improve after using your first aid kit, you must seek urgent help from a doctor or an emergency department.
How can I organise a complete kit?
You can buy ready-made first aid kits from most pharmacies or online retailers, or you can make your own by buying the items separately. The advantage of making your own kit is that you can customize it according to your needs and preferences.
We have created a comprehensive checklist of essential items that you should include in your student first aid kit. You can download it for free by clicking on the link below. You can print it out or save it on your phone or computer.
We hope that this blog post has helped you understand the importance of having a student first aid kit and how to prepare one. By following our tips and using our checklist, you can ensure that you have everything you need to stay healthy and safe at uni.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to leave them below or contact us through our website. We would love to hear from you!
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