Regardless of your age or health condition, one of the best things you can do is make sure your home is well equipped in case of a medical emergency. Whether you live alone, have children, are elderly, or are recovering from injury or an operation, having the right, basic medical kit at home can literally save your life.
Here are the 5 top items of medical equipment you should always have to hand at home.
First Aid Kit
It should go without saying, but having a well stocked first aid kit is an absolute essential in any home (or place of work). More often than not, minor injuries that happen at home (such as cuts, scrapes, burns and insect bites) can be dealt with safely and effectively using items from any basic first aid kit.
A well stocked home first aid kit should contain bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, tweezers, scissors and pain relief medicine such as aspirin or paracetamol.
Thermometer
Although it might seem like a simple piece of equipment, a medical thermometer can often be the first health tool that is used to determine the severity of a fever or hyperthermia. Severe temperature rises can be dangerous and even fatal if not treated quickly.
There are a variety of different types of thermometers - digital, analogue, in-ear thermometers, skin/forehead etc. Each will have its own specific uses so it’s best to do your research and decide what kind of thermometer will work best for you and your household. For example, if you have young children you might want to invest in a digital, in-ear thermometer which many parents find easier to use on young babies and infants.
Pulse Oximeter
The use of pulse oximeters at home became common during the covid-19 pandemic and they have since become home medical kit essentials. A pulse oximeter is a small device that measure the levels of oxygenation in the blood and heart rate, and can be vital in detecting whether someone’s health is rapidly declining (particularly with respiratory and fever conditions) and whether immediate medical help should be sought.
Blood Pressure Kit
Hypotensions and Hypertension are common blood pressure conditions that can affect almost every adult at some point of their life. High blood pressure can cause serious heart-related diseases like heart attacks and strokes. Early detection of changes in blood pressure with an at-home blood pressure monitor is vital in preventing serious complications that can arise, especially for people with a history of heart and stroke conditions in their families.
Blood Glucose Monitor
People with diabetes regularly use glucometers or blood glucose monitors at home. However, it can also be useful for non-diabetics or pre-diabetics at risk of developing diabetes to regularly monitor their blood glucose levels. A blood glucose monitor or glucometer is an easy to use device that measures your blood sugar level with a tiny finger prick and a drop of blood.
Blood glucose levels in the normal range are essential for the body’s normal functioning. High blood sugar in the long term can seriously affect kidneys, vision, and heart function, which is why many GPs recommend even non-diabetics should keep an eye on their glucose levels for signs of potentially serious changes.
Remember to regularly check and maintain your healthcare equipment and to replace any used or out of date items in your first aid kit etc regularly. Need more help? Contact us at Mediworld.