As I said before, First Aid kit contents won’t last for ever. If you haven’t checked your First Aid kit contents for damage, spoilage, and being past expiration dates, now’s a good time. You want to check your first aid kit (all of them!) at least twice a year. So check at the new year and then about half-way, say, right before the 4th of July. Since Independence Day here in USA (which is often when people get hurt!) is a high need day, you’ll have a nice 6 month schedule which should help keep your kit ready.
Check Your First Aid Kit for Expiration and Damage
Forget what to look for? Here’s the original list on what to look for when you check your First Aid kit for expired materials.
More than Expiration Dates
Don’t just look for expired items; check to see if you need to replenish or add items based on changes to your activities. Are you shooting more? Maybe you need to add firearm first aid. Do you have your Israeli compression bandage? Chest seals? Quick clot? What about a tourniquet?
Did you use up all your gauze? Time to refill!
Are you around someone with serious allergies now? Learn how to use an EpiPen and maybe it’s time to get one.
Do a thorough job so that you don’t end up with missing or damaged contents when you need them most. A little preparedness goes a long way.
(Re)Familiarize Yourself with Your Kit
Did you remember where it was and what was in it? Have you practiced with the equipment recently? Remember how to put that tourniquet on yourself? Since the kit is open and you’re going through the contents, make sure you know what’s there and how to use it.
Thirty to sixty minutes with your kit will make sure it’s set for the next six months. This is a win-win scenario that should be put on the calendar.
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