A first aid box is a collection of supplies used to provide medical treatment. It is important a well-stocked first aid box is kept within reach to handle any emergencies.
Importance of a First Aid Box
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Kids will be kids
Kids will definitely get hurt due to their playful nature. Most kids have cuts, scrapes, and burns both in school and at home. The best tool to help avoid panic in cases of emergency is THE FIRST AID BOX.
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To protect your employees or people you care about
The workplace can be an enabling or not so enabling environment, depending on the kind of work/operation that is performed. Employees are subject to injury especially in places like workshops, warehouses etc. A company kitted with a good complete first aid box can help save a life in times of emergency. Having an emergency first aid box can help in times of various emergency situations as people in the workplace could develop small wounds, or health challenge like a headache.
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In the home
First aid boxes are necessary for every household no matter the age of who lives in the home. Injuries can happen anytime and anywhere. When you have a first aid kit within easy access of wherever you are you will ensure the safety of everyone. First aid can reduce infections from open wounds and injuries. It can also reduce the severity of an injury.
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Ensures that the right methods of administering medical assistance are provided
They say knowledge is power, knowing how to help a person is just as important in emergency situations and the use of first aid is important in these situations. Furthermore, Knowledge in first aid also benefits the individuals themselves. Whether an emergency affects themselves directly or involves people you live and work with, first aid reduces the severity of an emergency in a given time and place.
What should be included in a first aid box?
Antibiotic Ointment: It is used to prevent skin infections when there is a cut or scrape after cleaning the wound. Antibiotic Ointment helps to defend against infection. However, it is to be used on small injuries not big/deep cuts, puncture wounds, animal bites and serious burns – a different treatment might be necessary for this type of accidents.
Adhesive Bandages: Cuts and Wounds come in all shapes and sizes–so too should your adhesive bandages. It is used to protect wounds from getting dirty or irritated.
Adhesive Tape and Gauze: This duo works together to stop bleeding. Apply sterile gauze to a bleeding wound, using firm but gentle pressure. Once bleeding has stopped you can use the tape to hold the gauze in place. Gauze is used to cover wounds for several reasons. It can protect the wound from dirt and bacteria to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. Gauze maintains a moist environment, which allows oxygen to get to the wound and promotes healing. It absorbs blood and promotes clotting.
Scissors and Tweezers: Scissors with rounded edges protect the victim from further injury. It is used to cut tape or gauze or to remove clothing if necessary. High-quality tweezers and splinter aid in the removal of small woods and metal objects under the skin. But don’t use tweezers to remove an insect stinger because you could end up squeezing more venom into the skin. Instead, brush the injured area with the edge of a credit card.
Pain Relievers like paracetamol, panadol, ibuprofen, and aspirin can all help soothe minor aches and pains. With a doctor’s approval, it’s a good idea to keep at least two aspirin on hand in case of a heart attack. Use these medications only as directed. As for aspirin: Don’t give to children and don’t use to alleviate flu symptoms. Periodically check the expiration dates of all medications.
The Triangular Bandages are lightweight and are made with bleached white calico cotton that can be washed and re-used. Overlocked to reduce fraying, with sufficient strength to withstand the pressure exerted by a resting arm, the bandages are individually wrapped and feature an open weave gauze, allowing air circulation. These larger bandages can also be used to wrap injuries and are especially helpful as slings for broken or dislocated arms and shoulders. Don’t forget safety pins to help keep the bandages in place.
Pocket CPR Mask is used to prevent cross-contamination against infection and any blood fluid that may be on the victim while undergoing resuscitation. Therefore a CPR mask removes the risk of exposure to fluids, germs, and viruses entirely.
Elastic Wraps is an elastic bandage which puts gentle, even pressure on the tissue around an injury to decrease pain and swelling. It helps in stabilizing the wrist, elbow, ankle and knee injuries. It is further necessary as it improves blood flow to a limb, keeps swelling down and holds bandages in place.
Balls of cotton wools are used to clean and dry a wound and also used for padding and protection. Cotton wools are not necessarily used as covering on open wounds as fibres can break away and stay in the wound.
Plasters are used for small cuts and grazes which do not require the use of a bandage.
Note: It is also very important to regularly check the first aid box for items that may be expired, might need restocking. Have a list of all items and keep track of them regularly.
References
How to prepare your home for an earthquake – Safety ED
The Importance of first-aid – Seton Blog
CPR Mask for a First Aid Kit – Inside First Aid
First Aid Box – Health Kart
First Aid Kit – My Open Country
Cotton Wool Swabs – First Aid UK
Anatomy of a first aid kit – Red Cross
First Aid Kit – E Medicine Health
Must Haves for your first aid kit – Health Cleveland Clinic
