You may hope that an emergency never occurs, but at some point or another, it does. And when it does, you need to be prepared. A well-stocked first-aid kit can help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies. All workplaces, sports centers, homes, and cars should have first aid kits.
What is a First Aid kit?
A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid when an accident occurs. These include minor accidents like:
- Burns
- Cuts
- Abrasions (scrapes)
- Stings
- Splinters
- Sprains
- Strains
There are different first aid kits according to different requirements. The kits for workplaces or sports centers must conform to legal requirements; they should also be clearly marked and easily accessible. The content of a first aid kit should also differ according to the requirements. For example: In a factory where there is a danger of flying debris getting into the worker's eye, the first aid kit should certainly have a sterile eyewash solution in its kit. However, if you have a diabetic patient at your home, you need to have insulin injection just in case his sugar level shoots up.
What should it contain?
Although a first aid kit varies with the person's requirements, there are a few common items:
- First-aid book/manual (just when you need instruction to use a particular item)
- Adhesive bandages (Band-Aid or similar brand) in assorted sizes
- Small roll of absorbent gauze (a thin, loosely woven surgical dressing, usually made of cotton) or gauze pads of different sizes
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton (1 roll)
- Scissors
- Latex/plastic gloves (at least 2 pair) to reduce contamination risk
- Tweezers (tool used for picking up small objects that are not easily handled with the hands) to remove small splinters
- Disposable Syringe
- Moistened towels and clean dry cloth pieces
- Antiseptic solution (Savlon or dettol)
- Antibiotic cream
- Thermometer
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Flashlight and extra batteries
It should also include certain medications like:
- Aspirin or paracetamol pain relievers
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antihistamine cream for Bee Stings
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Laxative
How do I maintain a first aid kit?
It's no rocket science. Just a basic understanding of medicines would help. The following tips will help you maintain a first aid kit:
- Keep a range of first aid kits handy including at home, in the car and at work.
- Choose one sturdy and lightweight, yet large enough container to hold the contents. It should be easy to carry and simple to open.
- Make sure it is well stocked all the time.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers in the kit.
- Group your medicines and supplies together which will make it easy to find the items you need in times of a medical emergency.
- It is important to check your kit regularly to restock items that have been used and to replace items that are out-of-date/expired.
- Store it in a cool dry place.
- Make sure that everybody in your family/ workers know where to locate it in times of emergencies. Also keep it beyond the reach of small children.
- Consider doing a first aid course, so you know how to help if someone is injured or becomes ill.
Typically, most injuries around the home or office are small and can be easily taken care of with a simple antiseptic application and a band aid. Just remember a first aid kit is only as good as its availability. Put your first aid kit together today and familiarize yourself with the use of its contents.
