Over the past 150 years, first aid packs have become increasingly common. In 1888, Johnson & Johnson medical supply firm founder Robert Wood Johnson went on vacation aboard a Denver & Rio Grande Railway train headed for Colorado.
As Johnson conversed with the railroad’s chief surgeon, the latter mentioned the difficulty of getting wounded employees to a doctor promptly. During their discussion, Johnson had the bright idea of putting bandages, gauze, and dressings in sturdy metal containers that the railroad company could keep at the scene of the accident.
Commercial first aid kits come in a wide range of sizes, but many still come in a sturdy metal container. However, a first aid kit doesn’t have to be as bulky, and buying one isn’t always the best option.
All you need is these five simple ingredients to whip together your first aid kit.
1. Sterile bandages
Every first aid kit needs a variety of bandages. Everyone knows that the first aid box is a lifesaver in case of those pesky cuts, scrapes, and other skin wounds.
You can use plasters for minor cuts and scrapes. Additionally, there are specialized gel plasters that can alleviate blisters. Your first aid kit should have fabric plasters and waterproof ones. Depending on their placement, blue plasters may also be necessary in first aid kits; this is especially true in food service settings.
It is important to understand that not just having a first-aid kit is of utmost importance, but knowing how to use it is also a priority. You can take an in person first aid class to learn using the contents of a first-aid box.
2. Surgical bands
A first aid kit might include a variety of bandages. Bandages are usually utilized second only to dressings in first aid kits.
In the time between doctor visits, roll bandages can keep dressings in place and apply additional pressure to wounds. Additionally, they can reduce swelling and provide support for joints after a break or sprain. They are also versatile enough to be utilized to make splints out of other limbs or supports. Roll bandages come in various styles, including open-weave, conforming, support, and self-adhesive varieties.
3. Topical medications
Although bringing a whole pharmacy in a first aid box would be impractical (and against the law), it is wise to have some basic medications on hand.
Precaution is required when using painkillers; however, they are helpful to have on hand. Common pain relievers include paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin; however, many people have adverse reactions to these medications. Therefore, it is important to consult the patient before giving them any medication.
Again, parental consent is required before the administration of any pain medication to children, even flavored liquid versions of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. For instance, it is against school policy to provide students with medication for pain.
4. Items for protection
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we may be more cognizant than ever before of the dangers of being in close proximity to another person, especially when it comes to exposed body fluids and wounds. Protective gear for the first responder is essential to any quality first aid kit.
Almost everyone has heard of disposable face masks by now. You should use these when doing first aid to reduce the likelihood of infecting yourself or the person you’re treating. Although they aren’t always required, disposable aprons protect first aid workers from infection, vomiting, or excessive bleeding.
Although face shields may not provide complete protection against airborne diseases, they help to some extent, particularly when used with a face mask.
Masks or shields for cardiopulmonary resuscitation: If cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is necessary, a mask or shield can be placed over the victim’s mouth to facilitate a more secure method of giving rescue breaths.
Protecting the first responder and the casualty from exposure to blood, fluids, and other potentially infectious substances is the primary function of disposable gloves. The ideal option for a first aid bag would be gloves that do not include latex since many individuals have severe allergies to the substance.
5. Hardware and supplementary devices
The following items are essential for any first aid bag and can facilitate the administration of first aid:
- Scissors are an essential tool when cutting bandages or dressings to fit or removing garments to assess an injury more quickly.
- Using tweezers, you can extract splinters, tics, and bug stings.
- While safety pins are multipurpose, they are most commonly used to secure bandages and slings in a first-aid bag.
- Applying bandages or dressings using adhesive tape ensures that they will stay put.
- For the sick or injured, a foil blanket is a great way to keep their body warm. This becomes much more crucial when the individual is outdoors on a chilly day or in a chilly environment. If the injury occurred during active activity, a foil blanket is especially necessary because the victim will likely feel cold rapidly. A lot of sick or injured people can also go into shock. Therefore, it’s essential that they can keep their temperature up while getting first aid.
- Using a digital thermometer: A fever indicates an infection for many individuals. The best thermometers are digital ones since they are easy to clean and provide precise readings in a flash.
- Even if most women have what they need on hand, there’s always the potential that someone will be unprepared and need sanitary supplies. While tampons and sanitary towels aren’t technically first aid supplies, they can be a lifesaver when other options aren’t readily available.
- Even though you might not have time to read a first aid manual in the middle of an emergency, it’s smart to have some reading material on hand in case you need to double-check anything.Â
In the end!
While a first aid pack is helpful for many minor medical emergencies, the most common ones include cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, splinters, bee stings, and bug bites. Because accidents can happen anywhere, keeping first aid supplies on hand at all times is a good idea. This includes at home, in the vehicle, at the office, in a hiking bag, on a bike, at a sporting event, or any other potential location.