6 clear signs your first aid kit is outdated and how to upgrade it

When you're out and about, the best way to be prepared for the unexpected is to carry a first aid kit in your home, office or car. It’s one of those essentials that one hopes never to use, but that one needs to rely on when accidents occur. Whether it is a minor cut or a sudden headache or a more substantial injury, the supplies in a great first aid kit can help dictate how quickly you are able to respond.

But many others buy a kit once and then forget about them, keeping them in a drawer or somewhere else out of sight and rarely using it. Things inside can expire or get damaged or even disappear and suddenly you have a perfect-looking box that isn't reliable on the inside. An old kit, however, can let you down at the worst possible time.

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Just as you make sure there are ample medical tools in your household that you need, you pay as much attention to a first aid kit as well, says Dr. Meera Nair, specialist, Emergency Medicine, Lifeline Care Hospital, Chennai. Out-of-date drugs and deteriorated bandages do more harm than good. One quick check every couple of months will keep your kit reliable.”

Here are 6 signs that indicate it’s time to update your first-aid kit:

•  Expired Medications

Painkillers, antiseptic creams and allergy tablets stop working when they are out of date. They might even be dangerous.

Fix: Monitor dates carefully and discard expired medicines promptly.

• Damaged or Discolored Bandages

Adhesive bandages and gauze can dry out, lose their stickiness, or even change colour. This renders them ineffective when used as wound-protective agents.

Fix: Replace any bandages that appear brittle, yellowed or refuse to adhere.

• Missing Essential Items

Kits are often opened and then not restocked. Shortages of gloves, scissors, antiseptic wipes threaten preparation.

Fix: Keep a list of items and restock it as soon as you use something.

• Rusty or Broken Tools

Tweezers, scissors or thermometers might rust, break or lose accuracy.

Fix: Check out tools; replace those that look worn or dodgy.

• Outdated Emergency Numbers

Some kits come with cards listing poison control numbers or emergency contacts. Old information or items no longer there, waste time.