FIRST AID BOX

 

FIRST AID BOX: A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in first aid management, and can be put together for the purpose (by an individual or organization), or purchased complete. 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.

First aid kits can be assembled in almost any type of container. This depends on whether they are commercially produced or assembled by an individual. Standard kits often come in durable plastic boxes, fabric pouches or in wall mounted cabinets. The type of container will vary depending on purpose. The containers range in size from wallet sized through to large rucksacks.

It is recommended that all kits are in a clean, waterproof container to keep the contents safe and aseptic. Kits should also be checked regularly and restocked if any items are damaged or expired.

Items Needed in the First Aid Kits

Specialized first aid kits are available for various regions, workplaces, vehicles, schools, hotels, or playing grounds, etc. which may focus on specific risks or concerns related to the activity. First aid kits are put up for different purposes with the following items:

Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABC) Items

First aid treats the ABCs as the foundation of good treatment. For this reason, most modern commercial first aid kits (although not necessarily those assembled at home) will contain a suitable infection barrier for performing artificial respiration as part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, examples include:

a. Pocket mask

b. Face shield

Advanced First Aid Kits may also contain items such as:

a. Oropharyngeal airway

b. Nasopharyngeal airway

c. Bag valve mask

d. Manual aspirator or suction unit

e. Sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff)

f. Stethoscope

 

Trauma injuries

Trauma injuries, such as bleeding, bone fractures or burns, are usually the main focus of most first aid kits, with items such as bandages and dressings being found in the vast majority of all kits.

EXAMPLES OF FIRST AID MATERIALS USED IN TRAUMA INJURIES

 

a. Adhesive bandages (Band-Aids, sticking plasters) – can include ones shaped for particular body parts, such as knuckles

 

b. Dressings (sterile, applied directly to the wound) Sterile eye pads, sterile gauze pads, sterile non-adherent pads

 

c. Bandages (for securing dressings, not necessarily sterile)

 

Gauze roller bandages– absorbent, breathable, and often elastic.

 

Elastic bandages – used for sprains, and pressure bandages. Adhesive, elastic roller bandages (commonly called ‘Vet wrap’)-very effective pressure bandages or durable, waterproof bandaging. Triangular bandages – used as slings, tourniquets, to tie splints, and many other uses.

 

d. Saline-used for cleaning wounds or washing out foreign bodies from eyes

 

e. Soap – used with water to clean superficial wounds once bleeding is stopped.

 

f. Antiseptic wipes or sprays for reducing the risk of infection in abrasions or around wounds. Dirty wounds must still be cleaned for antiseptics to be effective.

 

g. Burn dressing, which is usually a sterile pad soaked in a cooling gel

 

h. Adhesive tape, hypoallergenic

 

I. Hemostatic agents may be included in first aid kits, especially military or tactical kits, to promote clotting for severe bleeding.

 

Personal protective equipment

The use of personal protective equipment or PPE will vary by kit, depending on its use and anticipated risk of infection. The adjuncts to artificial respiration are covered above, but other common infection control PPE includes:

a. Gloves which are single use and disposable to prevent cross infection

 

b. Goggles or other eye protection

 

C. Surgical mask to reduce possibility of airborne infection transmission

 

(sometimes placed on patient instead of caregivers)

 

d. Apron

 

Instruments and equipment in first aid

a. Trauma shears, for cutting clothing and general use

 

b. Scissors are less useful but often included instead

 

c. Tweezers

 

d. Lighter, for sanitizing tweezers or pliers etc.

 

e. Alcohol pads for sanitizing equipment, or unbroken skin.

 

f. Irrigation syringe – with catheter tip for cleaning wounds with sterile water, saline solution, or a weak iodine solution. The stream of liquid flushes out particles of dirt and debris.

 

g. Torch (also known as a flashlight)

 

h. Alcohol rub (hand sanitizer) or antiseptic hand wipes

 

i. Thermometer

 

j. Space blanket (lightweight plastic foil blanket, also known as “emergency

 

blanket”)

 

k. Penlight

 

i. Cotton wool swab

 

Medication

Medication can be a controversial addition to a first aid kit, especially if it is for use on members of the public. It is, however, common for personal or family first aid kits to contain certain medications.

Dependent on scope of practice, the main types of medicine are life-Saving medications, which may be commonly found in first aid kits used by paid or assigned first aiders for members of the public or employees , painkillers, which are often found in personal kits, but may also be found in public provision and lastly symptomatic relief medicines, which are generally only found in personal kits.

I. Life saving

Aspirin primarily used for central medical chest pain as an anti-platelet

 

Epinephrine auto injector – often included in kits for wilderness use and in places such as summer camps, to treat anaphylactic shock.

 

II. Analgesics

Paracetamol (also known as Acetaminophen) is one of the most common pain killing medication, as either tablet or syrup.

Anti-inflammatory analgesics such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen or other NSAIDS can be used as part of treating sprains and strains. Codeine which is both a painkiller and anti-diarrheal.

 

III. Symptomatic relief

Anti-diarrhea medication such as Loperamide – especially important in remote or third world locations where dehydration caused by diarrhea is a leading killer of children.

 

Oral rehydration salts.

 

Antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine.

 

Poison treatments.

 

Absorption, such as activated charcoal.

 

Emetics to induce vomiting, such as syrup of ipecac although first aid manuals now advise against inducing vomiting.

 

Smelling Salts (ammonium carbonate)

 

 

IV. Topical medications

Antiseptic ointment, fluid, moist wipe or spray, including benzalkonium, chloride neomycin, polymyxin B sulfate or Bacitracin Zinc.

 

Povidone iodine is an antiseptic in the form of liquid, swabstick, or towelette.

 

• Aloe vera gel – used for a wide variety of skin problems, including burns, sunburns, itching, and dry skin; used as a substitute for triple-antibiotic gel to keep a wound moist and prevent bandages from sticking

 

Anti-itch ointment

 

Hydrocortisone cream

 

Antihistamine cream containing diphenhydramine.

 

Calamine lotion

 

Anti-fungal cream

 

Tincture of benzoin – often in the form of an individually sealed swab-stick, protects the skin and aids the adhesion of butterfly strips or adhesive bandages.

 

How to use First Aid Kits

Keep the contents in a good order.

 

It must be kept in a clean container.

 

In addition to using materials in the kit, be ready to improvise with other.

 

Do not use the kit for any other purpose other than first aid.

 

Replenish kits after use.

 

Keep out of reach of children.

 

In summary content of First Aid Kit

 

Surgical gloves

 

Surgical blades

 

Notebook and pen or pencil

 

Gauze bandages

 

Cotton wool

 

Plaster

 

Disinfectants (dettol, savlon, soap]

 

Dressing forceps

 

Pain reliever [paracetamol, aspirin,

 

Thermometer

 

Safety pins [for securing bandages]

Pair of scissors

Tweezers

 

Face mask