accessibility & help

No first aid kit? No problem!

You may not always have access to a first aid kit in an emergency. Here are some suggestions for other everyday items you can use.

Alternative ways to treat
burns

If you don’t have water to cool the burn...

…use juice, beer, milk… in fact use any cold liquid, until you have access to cold running water.

The aim is to cool the area as quickly as possible, using whatever cold liquid is available. Remember: it should be cooled for at least ten minutes for the treatment to be effective.

If you don’t have cling film to cover the burn…

...use a clean plastic carrier bag, sandwich/freezer bag or similar. These types of items will not stick to the burn and will create a barrier to stop infection. Plastic bags are particularly useful for covering a burned hand or foot.

Alternative ways to treat a
broken bone

If you don’t know what sort of padding to use to support a broken bone…

…use items of clothing, blankets or simply hold the injured part yourself.

Alternative ways to treat
bleeding heavily

If you don’t have dressing pads to put pressure on the wound...

…use a t-shirt, tea towel or even the person’s own hand. All these items can be used to put pressure on the wound and stop or slow down the flow of blood.

Alternative ways to treat a
diabetic emergency

If you don’t have glucose tablets...

…use orange juice, a few sugar cubes or packets of sugar, chocolate or any regular fizzy drinks (not diet drinks).

Alternative ways to treat a
head injury

If you don’t have any ice cubes...

…use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel or clothing soaked in cold water and wrung out.

Why not explore more?

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