First Aid Kit
“Ouch!” How many times have you heard that? At a party, camping, at home, or
maybe at work? Accidents happen anywhere, at any time, so you’ve got to be
prepared! Here are some simple, fast, and possibly life-saving techniques, plus a
list of things to keep in a first aid kit, to help you be ready when someone needs
help.
What is First Aid Kit?
A first aid kit or medical kit is a collection of supplies and equipment used to
give immediate medical treatment, primarily to treat injuries and other mild or
moderate medical conditions.
Basic first aid kit items
• Tweezers
Tweezers can help you remove splinters, ticks, or insect stingers.
• Instant Cold Compress
Cold Packs - Instant, ready-to-use cold packs help control swelling,
sprains, fractures, burns, and contusions.
• Scissors
Scissors can be used to trim gauze pads or medical tape or cut away
clothing that needs to be removed. Curved medical scissors are the best
option.
• Thermometer
Thermometer, instrument for measuring the temperature of a system.
• Gloves
Gloves can help protect both the person providing the first aid and
keep the wound clean.
• Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean and disinfect wounds or other
surfaces.
• Bandaids
Used for a small adhesive strip with a gauze pad for covering minor
wounds.
• Cotton swab
Cotton balls can be used to clean cuts and scrapes or apply peroxide,
alcohol or creams and ointments.
• Gauze
Gauze can be used to stop bleeding or to cover a wound. Include
various size pads or a roll to accommodate wounds of different sizes.
• Bandage
Bandage refers to a fabric used in medical treatments and wound
management to hold dressings in place and aid in wound healing.
Medicine
Antiseptic solution or wipes, such as hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine, or
chlorhexidine.
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve headaches, pain, fever, and
simple sprains or strains.
Antibiotic cream can be applied to wounds to help stop the growth of
infection causing bacteria.
Antihistamines to relieve allergies.
The 5 aims of First aid kit
Preserve Life
The first aid of first aid is to preserve life, which involves essential
practices to ensure the victim’s safety.
Prevent Deterioration
A delay of first aid on the scene can worsen the situation and cause
further harm.
Promote Recovery
First aid application can help lessen the amount of time for a casualty
to recover from an accident or injury. It also minimizes lasting damage and
the appearance of scars.
Relieve Pain
Pain and trauma are common following an accident.
There are different steps to relieve pain, one of which is applying RICE
treatment.
RICE TREATMENT
• Rest the injury by ensuring it does not move
• Ice the affected area to cool down
• Compression by applying pressure or covering the area using a bandage
• Elevation to increase blood flow and help with the swelling.
There is a wide variation in the contents of first aid kits based on the knowledge
and experience of those putting it together, the differing first aid requirements of
the area where it may be used, and variations in legislation or regulation in a given
area. While first aid can be life-saving and is effective in preventing conditions
from worsening, it cannot treat serious medical conditions comprehensively.
Injuries or conditions like major trauma, serious burns, and certain medical
emergencies require professional medical attention beyond the scope of first aid.
