Dec. 2, 2025, 7:22 a.m.
(PHOTO: freepik/xb100)
The current situation in Ukraine dictates new rules. Daily shelling, fragments of drones and missiles hitting homes - all of this has become an unfortunate routine for Ukrainians. You need to be prepared for any scenario and have a home first aid kit with everything you need...
Representatives of the leading Ukrainian manufacturer of turnstiles SICH emphasize that a properly equipped first aid kit is a matter of personal safety and the safety of your loved ones. During the open armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, it should be compact, but, above all, contain the following items that will help stop the blood and treat the wound
In addition to the list provided, the first aid kit should contain
- painkillers or antispasmodics
- antipyretics;
- antihistamines if someone in the family suffers from allergies;
- a set of products for use in case of minor cuts, scratches, burns, etc. (in case of severe injuries, you should seek medical attention)
- sorbents, diarrhea and vomiting remedies, and rehydration products in case of poisoning.
Check the expiration dates of your medicines!
People with chronic diseases should also have medications in their first aid kit that they take regularly. For example, to lower blood pressure. It is better to put at least a two-week, or better, a month's supply of such medications in the first aid kit. If you have prescription medications in your first aid kit, make sure you have a prescription to buy them.
Image: MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Combat medics urge you to have several pieces of turnstiles for your own safety. After all, they can be useful not only in case of critical blood loss, but also when you are trapped under rubble.
The topic of tourniquets has long gone beyond being a military attribute. And while most Ukrainians already know what they look like and why they are needed, a recent case in the show "The Bachelor 14" reminded us that even basic knowledge of first aid is still a gap for many. At the first bachelor party, one of the participants, who is studying at the medical faculty, did not know about this tool, which led to a wave of discussions.
"But it's important not only to know what a turnstile is, but also to know how to use it and to undergo regular training. After all, your life or the life of a loved one who may find themselves in a critical situation and need help depends on it," SICH emphasizes.
Usually, people buy the turnstiles they have trained with after taking first aid courses. A familiar mechanism in a stressful situation can help you win seconds and save lives.
In terms of quality, the turnstile should be easy to use, withstand excessive loads, and retain its shape and properties. It should be made of materials that do not deteriorate from cold, moisture, or heat.
"In my work, I use turnstiles made in Ukraine and abroad, in particular SICH, which is no worse than foreign counterparts, cheaper and has long proven itself at the front," says a combat medic with the call sign "Doc" from the Special Forces Timur unit of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.
According to him, it is imperative to look at such things on trusted websites to avoid falling for low-quality fakes.
Experts strongly recommend taking a first aid course to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, stop bleeding, and provide first aid in cases of stroke, heart attack, burns, injuries, or hypothermia. This knowledge is regulated by Order 441 of the Ministry of Health and is essential for everyday life.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, such courses have become especially popular. For those who doubt whether it is worth their time, here are some statistics: due to untimely assistance, 40% of victims die before the ambulance arrives. Therefore, such skills increase the chances of rescue.
However, according to a survey conducted by KANTAR, a marketing data and analytics company, only 17% of respondents have taken first aid courses. One in three confirmed that they had the skills to use a turnstile. The situation is further complicated by the fact that many people do not know where to acquire these important skills.
In Ukraine, such courses can be taken at training centers, charitable or public organizations. You can contact regional branches of organizations such as the Red Cross or the Ukrainian Rescue School. Or you can take a course at a trusted instructor center: "Solomianski Kotyky, Pulse of Ukraine, FAST Ukraine.
First aid instructors say that the only chance to act correctly and calmly is to learn and practice your skills on a regular basis. This is how you can provide first aid without harming the victim.
By knowing how to stop critical bleeding, you gain time until the ambulance arrives. After all, an arterial hemorrhage from an arm or leg can be fatal in a few minutes. Such knowledge will also be useful in case of domestic injuries: deep cuts, injuries during a fall or accident.
Володимир Шкаєв