As the majority of DIYers know, accidents happen. We can take the necessary precautions like wearing protective eye wear and work gloves, and be intimately familiar with how to properly use power tools or climb a ladder. But you never know when the stars will align, your DIY luck will run out, and you need the proper supplies to treat minor cuts and injuries at home...stat!
Typically in our Toolbox Tuesday posts, we discuss tools and gadgets that we've found extremely helpful in our renovation efforts. But following my blood-inducing painting mishap over the weekend (yes...I cut my finger...on a paint brush), I got to thinking about how a First Aid kit is a valuable tool to have in your DIY arsenal.
Several years ago I suggested to Alex that we purchase a First Aid kit. He sort of scoffed at the idea and wondered why we would need anything more than a bottle of Advil. As I pointed out, he tends to repeatedly bash his head on the metal duct work in our basement, has hit himself in the head with a 2x4, and may have even fallen off our sun porch roof once or twice (among other minor injuries). And so he conceded.
What I ended up selecting was a moderately priced, glove compartment sized entry level first aid kit. This handy package contains all of the must haves in a pinch to care for injuries such as:
- Wounds
- Bleeding
- Blisters and burns
- Fractures and sprains
There's a huge range of first aid kits on the market, and depending on your accident prone-ness, you could definitely ramp up from what we have. However, even with the most basic of models, I sure am glad we're prepared.
This kit came in very handy a few years back. While working on our bedroom Alex was climbing the ladder with the new attic pull down stair kit. The kit weighed about 60 pounds and while he was delicately walking up the forth step on the ladder, his foot somehow missed the rung. This missed step threw his balance off, causing him to fall off the ladder back first, and the stairs came crashing down on him. I swung to the rescue as best as I could and pushed the stairs so they didn't land directly on him, but his lower back landed squarely on a large box of drywall screws. When he got up, he had a good couple of puncture wounds on his lower back. Let's just say that the antibacterial ointment came in handy that evening.
Yes, that is actually blood on his waistband tag.
We're also sure to replenish the various items as we use them, as this is key for having the supplies on hand when you need them. I like to have a little fun and add in some Scooby Doo and Hello Kitty band aids when we're running low. Nothing says "I'm feeling better" like your favorite cartoon character band aids.
Is your household the proud owner of a First Aid kit? Have you ever had a renovation mishap that made you glad you had one on hand, or are you the go-all-out weekend warrior that bypasses home First Aid and goes straight to the emergency room? Knock on wood, we haven't had any of "those" types of accidents yet, ladder jumping and all.
Did you enjoy reading this post? Want to learn more about our first-hand experiences with other tools, devices or items used throughout our renovation? If so, check out our complete list of product reviews in our Toolbox Tuesday section.
Note: We weren't compensated for this review. We simply want to share good products when we see them, and hope that learning from our mistakes can help save you time, money and frustration.
