There is a lot more to administering first aid than one might think. In addition to having all the essential supplies, it is vital that you understand how to properly use them. A first aid training course is recommended for everyone, especially because what we know about first aid is constantly changing. Learning the ins and outs of first aid kits is important for everyone so that we have the knowledge and skills to handle all kinds of emergencies.
The Importance of a First Aid Kit
Every home needs to have a well-stocked first aid kit in the case of an emergency, or even for treating minor injuries. It is also useful to keep a first aid kit in your car. Other than being handy for treating common ailments, first aid kits have the power to save lives. In some emergencies, a person will need to act fast to buy the victim time before a medical team can arrive on the scene. Knowing exactly where the first aid kit is, how to respond to the injury, and how to use the supplies could be the difference between life and death.
What to Put in a First Aid Kit
Although you may want to customize your personal first aid kit, there are also essential items that every first aid kit needs to have. Here are some of the key items every first aid kit should carry:
- Bandages (elastic wrap bandages, bandage strips, nonstick sterile bandages, and triangular bandages)
- Adhesive tape
- Roller gauze
- Aluminum finger splint
- Cold packs
- Cotton balls
- Soap and hand sanitizer
- Lubricant
- Duct tape
- Non-latex examination gloves (multiple pairs)
- Safety pins
- Antibiotic ointment
- Scissors and tweezers
- Antiseptic solution and towelettes
- Syringe
- Thermometer
- Eyewash solution
- First aid manual
- Laxatives
- Antacids
- Antihistamine
- Pain relievers
- Cough and cold medicine
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Emergency phone numbers (family doctors, local emergency services, and poison help line)
- Personal medications
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof matches
- Insect repellant
- Emergency space blanket
Learning How to Use Your Supplies
It is not enough to simply have a well-stocked first aid kit. Knowing how to use these supplies is vital to properly treating minor injuries or even keeping someone alive long enough for a medical team to arrive. It is a good idea to seek proper first aid training in order to learn how to use these supplies. You can find in-depth training courses at SimpleCPR where you can learn first aid training online in the comfort of your own home. Training courses on first aid will not only provide you with valuable, life-saving skills, but also teach you things that you may not have considered, such as where to store your first aid kit or how often to resupply it.
Treating Injuries
A well-stocked first aid kit is your first line of defense when it comes to treating both major and minor injuries. Whether you are working full time or you are a stay-at-home mom, knowing how to treat injuries can be beneficial. Here are some examples of the types of injuries that you may find yourself treating with a first aid kit:
Minor injuries: Some minor injuries that you may find yourself treating with a first aid kit include minor scrapes and cuts, bruises, burns, sprains, bug bites, nosebleeds, fever, motion sickness, sunburn, and toothaches. While these injuries may not seem significant, they can become serious if they are not treated properly.
Serious injuries: You may need to use your first aid kit to treat serious injuries until paramedics can arrive. Some of these may include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, frostbite, choking, heatstroke, severe allergic reactions, shock, broken bones, and excessive bleeding. Treating these conditions properly will ensure that the victim has the best chance of survival.
Being Prepared Saves Lives
Having an up-to-date first aid kit in your home and car can be very useful at treating minor injuries and could even save lives. This is why it is so important to know what supplies are needed for a first aid kit and to keep it well-stocked at all times. These essential items can be incredibly effective at saving lives by keeping the victim stable until a medical team is able to reach them. Knowing how and when to use first aid is a useful skill, and all people should consider taking a first aid training course in order to be prepared for any emergency.
