A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment which provides medical care. The items in first aid kits vary greatly depending on the knowledge as well as expertise of those putting them together, the necessities of the area where they may be utilized, and variations in legislation or regulation in a specific area. It is important to bring first aid in caravans too!
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Importance of a First Aid Kit
First-aid kits enable you to respond to medical emergencies as quickly as possible. In an emergency, even a one-minute delay can cause irreversible damage. These kits provide basic and immediate care for common medical injuries such as burns and cuts. As a result, in the event of an emergency, you won’t have to waste time gathering the necessary medical supplies.
First aid kits carry the necessary medical supplies in a small package. It is something you can take with you anywhere, whether you’re traveling or living/working in a small place. In the event of a cut, it is critical to use antibiotics as soon as possible to avoid infection. Applying gauze and bandage immediately to stop the bleeding.
First aid kits are a must-have medical item for everyone. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to injuries and accidents. If a burn or scald occurs, immediate treatment should be administered to the affected area. The goal is to alleviate the pain while preventing further damage.
What are the things inside a First Aid Kit?
It is critical to keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your household in order to deal with mild injuries and accidents. Your first aid kit must be securely locked, kept away from children in a cool, ventilated room. Numerous people keep an extra first-aid kit in their vehicle. Below are the things you need to put inside your first aid kit.
- plasters that come in a variety of sizes and shapes
- sterile gauze dressings in sizes small, medium, and large
- a minimum of two sterile eye dressings bandages in a triangle
- rolled crêpe bandages
- pins for safety
- sterile disposable gloves
- tweezers
- scissors
- alcohol-free sanitizing wipes
- cling film
- temperature gauge (preferably digital) hydrocortisone or calendula cream for skin rashes
- insect bite and sting relief cream or spray
- cream with antiseptic properties
- Paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under the age of 16), or ibuprofen are all examples of pain relievers.
- cream or tablets containing antihistamines
- distilled water for wound cleaning, eye wash, and bathing
Overview of a First Aid Kit
The international standard for first aid kits is to identify them with an equal white cross on a green background. Standard kits are frequently packaged in tough plastic boxes, fabric pouches, or wall-mounted cabinets. To maintain the items secure and aseptic, it is advised that all kits be kept in a hygienic, resealable container.
Incision/suction-type snake bite kits, as well as mercurochrome antiseptic, were cultural US Federal requirements for first aid kits. Mercurochrome has been excluded from the generally regarded as safe classification by the US FDA in 1998 led to worries about its high levels of mercury. Picric acid gauze used to treat wounds is now regarded as a dangerous material due to the formation of unsteady and highly volatile picrates when it comes into contact with metal.
Precaution
A basic medical manual or instruction guidebook might be helpful to keep with your first aid kits. Medicinal products must be checked on a regular basis to ensure that they are still within their expiration dates. Always secure your first aid kit and keep it away from children.
Conclusion
Everyone must bring their own first aid kit in case of emergency. First aid kits are helpful especially to us and we can also help other people by applying first aid when an accident happens. We should have an idea/knowledge on how to apply first aid kit. It’s important that everyone should know the basic steps.
Sources
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_aid_kit
- https://www.pickeringsafety.com/blog/10-reasons-to-keep-a-first-aid-kit-in-your-home-and-office/#:~:text=First%2Daid%20kits%20help%20you,injuries%2C%20burns%2C%20cuts%20etc.
- https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/what-should-i-keep-in-my-first-aid-kit/