A recent study conducted by Well Pharmacy has revealed that thousands of UK households may not be adequately prepared for basic first aid needs. The research found that 11 essential items are missing from many medicine cabinets and first-aid kits, leaving families unprepared for common injuries and illnesses.
Key findings from the study include that almost a third of households do not have a thermometer, sterile dressing, disposable gloves, or bandages at home. Additionally, around one in 10 adults reported not having antiseptic, suncream, plasters, or painkillers readily available. Essential items such as eye wash solution and antidiarrhoeal tablets were also found to be lacking in many homes, with more than a quarter of adults admitting to not having antihistamines at hand for hay fever relief.
In response to these findings, George Sandhu, Deputy Pharmacy Superintendent for Well Pharmacy, has highlighted the importance of having a well-stocked medicine cabinet. Sandhu emphasised the necessity of items such as painkillers, indigestion tablets, antihistamines, and a thermometer for managing various health concerns at home. He stressed the value of being prepared for minor injuries and illnesses, especially with the summer months bringing an increased risk of accidents.
Sandhu’s recommended list of must-have items for every home medicine cabinet includes painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen, indigestion tablets, antihistamines, antidiarrhoeic tablets, a thermometer, plasters, bandages, sterile dressing, antiseptic, disposable gloves, and eyewash solution. By ensuring these essentials are readily available, households can be better equipped to handle common health issues and emergencies.
The study serves as a timely reminder for families to assess their medicine cabinets and stock up on essential supplies to be better prepared for unexpected health situations. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and having a well-equipped medicine cabinet can help in managing minor health concerns effectively at home.