First-Aid & Safe Kits

Safe Kits

A safe kit is what its called when you keep first-aid supplies with what you use to self-harm, what you use to clean your tool, things to use instead of self-harm, or anything else that helps you be safer when you self-harm or have self-harm urges.

Here are some ideas for things to put in a safe kit...

  • A first-aid kit (see the below)
  • Clean tools for self-harm
  • Isopropyl/rubbing alcohol for cleaning tools
  • Self-harm report card, “this report card can be used if seeking treatment for an injury – for example given to health professionals”
  • A list of things that you could do instead of self-harming
  • A list of reasons not to self-harm/take care of your wounds/practice harm reduction
  • A journal
  • A list of people you could talk to for support
  • Comfort items, like a small stuffie
  • Things to express yourself with, like art supplies

First-Aid Kits

You can find most of these things at a pharmacy, if not they are easy to find online. Some of these times you can make cheaper substitutes for, here's how.

General:

  • Something clean and dry to keep everything in (bag, box, etc.)
  • Scissors (for gauze, medical tape, etc.)
  • Hand sanitiser (to clean your hands, not wounds)
  • Isopropyl alcohol (to clean tools, not wounds)
  • Pain killers, some pain killers can make bleeding worse. Acetaminophen/Tylenol does not.
  • Anti-biotic ointment (only use for infected wounds!)
  • Petroleum jelly/Vaseline
  • Medical tape (latex free tape can be a good alternative if you have an adhesive allergy)
  • Saline
  • Leaflet or written down info on first aid for infections
  • If you're trying to avoid self-harm, a list of alternatives or items that help you avoid self-harm (e.g. a journal, stim/fidget tools, body markers)

For Cuts/Scratches:

  • Leaflet or written down info on first aid for cuts/scratches
  • Non-fuzzy cloth, gauze, or gauze sponges to stop bleeding
  • Plasters/bandaids
  • Non-stick gauze
  • Tefla/non-adherent dressing pads (sticks less then non-stick gauze)
  • Steri-strips, zip-stitches, and/or butterfly bandages
  • Bandage wrap
  • A metal or hard plastic container to put used blades or other sharps in (like a empty pill bottle or sharps container), throwing away blades lose or flushing them down the toilet put sanitation workers at risk.

For Burns/Scalds:

  • Leaflet or written down info on first aid for burns/scalds
  • Clingfilm, can be used as a bandage for burns
  • Hydrocolloid bandage
  • Tefla

For Injures from Blunt Force/Hitting:

  • Leaflet or written down info on first-aid for blunt force injures
  • Reusable ice packs
  • Elastic bandages for compression
  • Over the counter pain medication
  • Muscle pain cream, like Deep Heat or Icy Hot