First aid kits are a necessity!
Everyone should have a first aid kit at home and in each of their vehicles. You never know when an emergency situation will present itself, especially if you have children. As all parents know, a simple cut can turn in to what feels like an emergency if you do not have something with you to make it "all better".
Some other times that you may not think about taking a first kit along with you may be hiking, cycling, vacation and many others. You should always be prepared and have a first aid kit nearby. It is highly recommended that everyone take a first aid/CPR class.
Some people may choose to make their own first aid kits and others may elect to purchase one. In both cases, you should make sure that you have everything that you need. (see "what you need in a first aid kit" below)
What you need in first aid kits
Amazingly enough, not everyone knows what they should have in their first aid kit. According to the 1
Red Cross, these are the items that you should include in your first aid kit if you are making your own:
1. 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
2. 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
3. 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
4. 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
5. 5 antiseptic wipe packets
6. 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
7. 1 blanket (space blanket)
8. 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve to give CPR)
9. 1 instant cold compress
10. 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
11. 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
12. Scissors
13. 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
14. 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
15. 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
16. 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
17. Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
18. 2 triangular bandages
19. Tweezers
20. First aid instruction booklet
Additional Items to Consider for your First Aid Kits
There are other items that you may want to consider, depending on how the first aid kit that you are making is going to be used. Consider the items below to see if there is something that you may need.
1. Flashlight and batteries - make sure to check your batteries every once in a while to see if they need to be replaced
2. Safety Pins - to fasten bandages
3. Calamine Lotion
4. Peroxide
5. Rubbing Alcohol
6. Prescription Medication
7. Acetaminophen
8. Ibuprofen
9. Ipecac syrup and activated charcoal - For treatment after consuming certain poisons. (Use only on advice of a poison control center or the emergency department)
10. List of emergency telephone numbers
11. Pliers
12. Lighter for sterilizing tweezers or pliers
13. Eye cup or small plastic cup
14. Sterile saline
15. Penlight
16. Anti diarrhea medication
17. Oral rehydration salt
18. Epipen
19. QuikClot
20. Rubber suction bulb, for clearing the airway of an unconscious patient or flushing out a wound(a turkey baster would work also)
21. Bottled Water
22. Decongestant tablets or nasal spray
23. Antihistamine tablets
24. Syringe, medicine cup or spoon
25. Aluminum finger splints
26. Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
27. Eye goggles
28. Plastic bags for the disposal of contaminated materials
29. Save-A-Tooth storage device containing salt solution and a travel case
30. Soap or instant hand sanitizer
31. Candles and matches for cold climates
32. Cell phone and recharger that utilizes the accessory plug in your car dash
33. Sunscreen
34. Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
35. Laxative
36. Antacid
37. Tampons - Useful for blood flow from puncture wounds and if cut in half are very effective for relieving nosebleed
38. Knife
39. Moleskin - To apply to blisters or hot spots
40. Phone card
41. A roll of quarters for each person (if on a trip) in case you need to use pay phones or vending machines.
42. A picture of each person (if on a trip) in case anyone should get lost.
What to do in the event of an emergency
* Stay calm and try to calm the victim.
* Shout for help and tell a specific person to call 911 or call yourself if no one else is there
* Evaluate the victim's condition and administer first aid or CPR as needed. (Only do this if you have been trained to). Continue treatment until the EMS gets there.
* Look for a medical alert bracelet or necklace (be sure to check their keyring too)
* Do not move the victim unless they are in immediate danger if you do not move them.
* Stay with the victim.
* Never risk personal safety in a rescue.
When you call 911, be sure to tell the dispatcher the following information and stay on the phone until the dispatcher says to hang up. * The location and directions to you and your emergency.
* The type of emergency.
* The number of victims.
* The phone number at your location.
* What, if any treatment has been given to the victim(s).
While there is no list that can prepare you for every emergency situation, I hope that these lists have provided you with a clearer understanding what you need in first aid kits and what you should do if you have an emergency.
Source
1
http://www.redcross.org
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