急救

Be ready for minor cuts, grazes and burns with first aid supplies from Ways Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered pharmacy in Holborn, London. The collection covers the three basics of home wound care: plasters, antiseptics and dressings.

For everyday knocks, Numark washproof, fabric and cushioned plasters handle most small wounds. To clean an injury first, choose IRRIPOD sterile saline irrigation pods, Elastoplast antiseptic wound cleansing spray, Videne povidone-iodine solution, iodine swabs or 70% alcohol wipes. For larger grazes and minor burns, Smith & Nephew Melolin low-adherent dressing pads, sterile gauze swabs, Micropore surgical tape and retention bandages let you build a dressing that will not stick to the wound. Keep a mix of all three at home — and remember that deep, heavily bleeding or dirty wounds need medical attention rather than home treatment.

Frequently asked questions

What should a basic home first aid kit contain?

A sensible starting kit: assorted plasters (washproof and fabric), sterile gauze swabs, low-adherent dressing pads, surgical tape or a retention bandage, saline pods for rinsing, an antiseptic spray or solution, and alcohol wipes.

How should I clean a small cut or graze?

Rinse the wound with sterile saline to remove dirt, pat it dry, apply an antiseptic, then cover with a plaster or low-adherent dressing and change it regularly. Watch for increasing redness, swelling or pus, which can be signs of infection.

When does a wound need medical attention?

Seek help if a wound is deep or gaping, will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, was caused by a bite or a dirty object, or shows signs of infection — or if a burn is larger than the casualty's hand or is on the face. Call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.