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Cuts, burns, fevers and stomach upsets rarely happen at a convenient time. A well-stocked first-aid kit lets you deal with minor problems quickly and safely while you decide whether you need a doctor. This checklist is prepared by the Medicine Online pharmacy team under the medical oversight of Dr. Farhan Rashid Abbasi.

Dressings and wound care

• Plasters in mixed sizes, including fabric plasters, waterproof plasters and children's plasters
• Sterile gauze swabs and gauze pads
• Roller bandages, such as a 3-inch cotton bandage, and a crepe bandage for sprains
• A cotton roll, adhesive tape and a pair of clean scissors

Antiseptics and creams

• Antiseptic solution such as Pyodine 10% for cleaning around wounds
• An antibiotic ointment such as Polyfax skin ointment for minor cuts and grazes
• Antiseptic soap for washing hands and minor wounds

Medicines

• Paracetamol for adults (for example Panadol) and a children's paracetamol suspension (for example Calpol), with the measuring spoon
• Oral rehydration solution: ORS sachets or Peditral
• An antihistamine for allergic itching and hives (see allergy medicines)
• Any personal emergency medicines prescribed for your family, such as an asthma reliever inhaler

Equipment

• A digital thermometer
• Disposable gloves and tweezers
• A card with emergency numbers: Rescue 1122, Edhi 115, your nearest hospital and your family doctor

Handling common problems

Minor cuts

Press firmly with clean gauze to stop bleeding, rinse under clean running water, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover. Get medical help for deep or gaping cuts, bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure, or wounds from rusty metal or animal bites (you may need a tetanus or rabies injection).

Burns

Cool the burn under cool running tap water for 20 minutes. Do not apply ice, toothpaste, butter or oil. Cover loosely with cling film or a clean non-fluffy dressing. Go to hospital for burns larger than the palm of the hand, burns on the face, hands, feet or genitals, or any burn in a baby.

Sprains

Rest, apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth for 15–20 minutes at a time, use a crepe bandage for support and keep the limb raised. Get an X-ray if you cannot bear weight or there is a deformity.

Diarrhoea

Start ORS early, especially for children and older adults. Seek help for blood in the stool, high fever, signs of dehydration (very little urine, sunken eyes, drowsiness) or diarrhoea that lasts more than two days in a child.

Keep your kit ready

• Store it in a cool, dry place out of children's reach, but where adults can find it quickly.
• Check expiry dates every six months, and replace what you use.
• Keep a smaller kit in the car for travel.

Browse first aid and dressings, surgical supplies and pain relief.

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Medically reviewed under the oversight of Dr. Farhan Rashid Abbasi. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. In an emergency, call Rescue 1122.