To be able to handle small injuries and accidents within the home, it is advisable to have a well-stocked, childproof First Aid kit. Your kit should be easy to find and preferably not kept hidden in a cupboard or drawer.
Place your kit in a highly accessible location which will be easy to reach; therefore it will be nearby when needed. Storing your kit in a dry/cool place would ensure no damage to your supplies.
Also, you must take care of keeping your kit out of the hands of children. Most choose the kitchen area since this is often a gathering place. It is also advisable to keep a first aid kit in your vehicle for emergencies while driving and to deal with incidences you may encounter during recreational activities during traveling.
EMP Medic presents the essential items a First Aid Kit requires; these items are available on FA Supplies.
First-aid Instruction Guide
First Aid Instructions are essential as those who use the first aid kit must know how and what to use in various emergencies.
Contents list
It is also advisable to keep an up to date list of what is available in the first aid kit. During emergencies time is precious so by having a list this will eliminate time spent searching for an item in the kit that may not be stocked.
A variety of plasters in different shapes and sizes
It is important to have a variety in both shape and size so that you can properly dress any size wound.
Isothermal Blanket
This blanket can be used when a person is going in to shock. The blanket can be wrapped around the person to reduce heat loss, blankets are able to retain and reflect 80-90% of the body’s heat.
Burn Dressing
This type of dressing is used in cases of burns and is coated in a silicone wound contact layer which allows for the removal of the bandage without further trauma.
Gauze dressing of various sizes
You will need small, medium and large dressings to appropriately dress the affected area.
Sterile eye dressings
It is recommended to have a minimum of at least two dressings in case someone has had an accident or injury that has affected both eyes.
Antiseptic Wipe Sachets
Antiseptic wipes can be used to effectively clean wounds before applying the appropriate dressing.
Tourniquets
Tourniquets are tight bands that are used to control bleeding by reducing blood flow to a wound. They can be used on arm and leg injuries. You can read more about using tourniquets and the new guidelines.
Triangular bandages
These bandages can be used as a pad to control bleeding or they can be used as an arm sling.
Tweezers
Tweezers are an important tool in first aid kits. Before you dress a wound, tweezers can be used to properly clean the wound by removing glass, splinters or even to remove stingers from bees.
Crêpe/elastic bandages
Crêpe bandages differ from the above bandages as they are used to support lightly sprained and strained muscles. They easily conform to the body’s contours and have clips to quickly and simply secure the bandage without tape or safety pins.
In the case of sprains and strains, an elastic bandage can be used as it provides more support.
Safety Pins
When using bandages that do not fasten on their own safety pins will need to be used to secure slings and dressings.
Scissors
Scissors can be used to cut bandages to the appropriate length and in some cases are used to cut clothing so as to expose areas that need treatment. Due to their use, scissors with a blunted blade should be stored in the first aid kit.
Disposable Gloves
It is important to have a number of disposable gloves so that you can safely treat injuries and accidents without the spread of germs through the hands. For first-aid kits at the workplace law requires the use of Nitrile sterile gloves.
CPR Mask
This mask is used as a tool to effectively deliver CPR in cases where required
CPR Resuscitation Face shield
This shield is a one-way filter valve that protects and prevents the spread of any liquids into the rescuer’s mouth i.e. blood or saliva.
Steri Strip
Steri strips are sterile pieces of medical tape. They are used for cuts that are too deep for just a bandage but not deep enough for stitches.
Adhesive Tape
Adhesive tape is a lightweight tape that is used to hold bandages or other dressings onto a wound.
Thermometer
They are used to measure the body temperature. It is ideal to have a digital thermometer to gain an accurate reading, however this is optional to have in a first aid kit.
Distilled Water
As the water is distilled it will not be contaminated with bacteria and can be used to clean wounds before dressing.
Haemostatic Bandage
This is needed in the case of severely bleeding wounds and traumatic injuries.
Eye Solution
When the eyes become enflamed with a foreign substance or objects, the eye solution is used for rinsing / flushing the eyes in order to get them clean.
Chemical Ice Pack
For situations where ice is not available, it is important to have a medical ice pack or ice spray. This can be used on bruises, sprains, cuts, and burns in addition to the application of a bandage.
Once you have the appropriate items in your first aid box it is important to regularly check that all medications are in date and that all aids function correctly. If any items are used, ensure that they are replaced right away so that the first aid kit is always fully stocked.
A First Aid Kit is an essential item for any home. It is important to know how to treat injuries that may be inflicted on us or our loved ones at home.
To do this, you need a comprehensive First Aid kit for house use. Items for a first aid kit can be found at FA Supplies.
Below you will find our new list of upcoming courses. You can choose among our wide selection of programs. You can find out more about our First Aid training course that complies with the needs of your company.
Enroll as soon as possible to reserve your participation in our upcoming First Aid courses.
Find out more about the dates and locations of our training courses here.
