There are ways you can deal with everything from a small cut to a medical emergency without having to rely on expert doctors and million-dollar technology. If you want to be better equipped to handle these situations in a disaster scenario, check out these 15 everyday items that you can use for first aid.
*Note: Nothing in this article should be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor before using any of the herbs and/or remedies mentioned in this article.
1. Bra
A traditional and non-silicone bra can become a temporary protective mask if you’re caught in the smoke. Bra cups made of breathable materials can filter out smoke and dust that can prevent normal breathing.
2. Diapers and panty liners
These hygiene products can be an excellent dressing material because they have the perfect absorbing properties.
3. Juice or milk
With a burn, it’s necessary to cool down the affected area as quickly as possible. Experts recommend doing it with the help of running tap water within 10-15 minutes — no less than that. However, in a case where there is no tap nearby, any cold and harmless liquid can help. For example, milk, juice, etc. But don’t apply anything oily like vegetable oil to the damaged skin.
4. Teabags
Not only can tea help to remove eyelid swelling, but thanks to the tannins that it contains, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and can remove irritation after insect bites. Brew a tea bag, cool it down, and apply it to the bitten area until the itchiness stops.
5. Plastic syringe
These measuring syringes are usually placed in boxes with liquid drugs for kids and they can also be used for removing splinters. Put it on the skin, placing the edge of the splinter into the hole. Then, quickly pull the piston part. You should then see the splinter inside the syringe if you did it properly.
6. Superglue
If there is no adhesive, no bandages, or any other means for treating wounds in an emergency situation, for example during a repair or at some construction site, you can use superglue. It can tighten the edges of the wound when applied to a dry and smooth cut or dissection. It can be used only in small amounts and only on small wounds that are not actively bleeding. Don’t use superglue on the face, on insect bites, on sores, in places that bend like the inner or outer side of the elbow. You can read more details here.
7. Sugar
In order to remove pain from a tongue that has been burnt with a hot drink, you can use ordinary sugar. Just apply some sugar to the tongue and wait for several minutes until it dissolves. Sugar reduces the burning sensation and contributes to the restoration of the taste buds.
8. Plastic product bags
After cooling down the burnt area, wrap it with a plastic film in order to prevent an infection. Plastic bags from food or frozen products can help. These materials won’t stick to the damaged surface of the skin and will create a necessary protective barrier against microbes.
Are you aware of any other life hacks where you can use ordinary, everyday items as first aid? Please tell us about them in the comments!