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When an individual is in the area where someone is injured, wounded, burned or suffers any other injury, it is beneficial to have a FIRST AID KIT immediately available in order to assist. When someone requires help, he/she ( and even an animal) depends on you to provide first aid in some manner. In daily life, many instances of medical intervention can be accomplished, if a good first aid kit is readily available. Treating a wound with appropriate aids, keeps the injured person stable until expert medical assistance arrives. If the wound is dressed properly, the injured person can continue his/her activity. Having a first aid kit and learning how to use it is the first step in preventing a serious medical problem. Make sure you buy more supplies to replace whatever is used. The Department of Homeland and Security takes an active role to help Americans prepare the contents of a First Aid Kit that will enable them to provide prompt aid to anyone in need of emergency aid. When you purchase a FIRST AID KIT, they suggest that you make sure to have the following items inside the box: Throw-away plastic gloves, sterilized if possible. (If allergic to latex, buy non-latex gloves.) In order to stop the bleeding, buy an assortment of sterile dressing pads. A couple of kinds of cleaning, disinfectant and antibiotic salves or solutions to clean and prevent infections should be in the FIRST AID KIT. Various kinds of wipes as well as ointment for burns are necessary. An assortment of adhesive tapes for various size wounds should be in the box , including types with air pores. For incidents where an eye is injured, your KIT should have a solution to flush the eye for infection. A mouth thermometer is a must. Include in the box personal items for individuals with particular medical needs, such as a dosage of insulin, pills for heart problems, or an inhaler for people with severe asthma. Be aware of expirations dates on all the items in the kit and every so often, remove expired items and purchase new ones. For a more comprehensive kit to help more effectively in time of need, also have ready: a cell phone, non-aspirin pain relievers for headache, shock etc, a tweezers, pills for the runs , pills for indigestion , petroleum jelly for soothing protection against sunburn and other burns. Even a laxative is a good item to have in your KIT. In substantiation of the importance of having a FIRST AID KIT , The New York City Fire Department strongly proposes the following list of items for FIRST AID KIT: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and aspirin tablets to provide relief for headaches, pain, fever, and simple sprains or strains. (Aspirin should not be used for relief of flu symptoms or given to children.) Ipecac syrup and activated charcoal for treatment after ingestion of certain poisons (Use only on advice of a poison control center or the emergency department. Elastic Wraps for wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries. Triangular Bandages for wrapping injuries and making an arm sling. Scissors with rounded tips. Adhesive tape and 2" gauze for dressing wounds. Disposable, instant ice bags for icing injuries and treating high fevers. Bandages of assorted sizes: For covering minor cuts and scrapes. Antibiotic ointment: for minor burns, cuts, and scrapes; gauze in rolls and in 2" and 4" pads for dressing wounds; bandage closures of 1/4" and 1 " to tape cut edges together; tweezers to remove small splinters and ticks; safety pins to fasten bandages; rubber gloves to protect yourself and reduce the risk of infection when treating open wounds; First Aid Manual and a listing of emergency telephone numbers. The Mass Group emphasizes the importance of having the recommended items in a FIRST AID KIT. If there is a limited budget for purchasing a KIT, then, at the least, a standard kit with basic necessities should be considered. A FIRST AID KIT should be a common object in the home, car or workplace. The following suggestions are useful to bear in mind in storing and using your FIRST AID KIT: A properly filled FIRST AID KIT should be an accepted article in you residence, mode of transportation and location of work. If you chose not to purchase one from a store like AMAZON and do not have a properly labeled box, then label any container or bag with big letters. Again, have a Kit in your HOUSE, APARTMENT, TRAILER HOME, TENT FOR OUTINGS, CAR , BUS, TRUCK, MOTOR- CYCLE, MOTOR SCOOTER, EVEN a BICYCLE etc., WORKPLACE offices ,factory, warehouse and distribution, boats , ships , aircraft , even working underground such as a MINE. Make sure , The KIT is in easy reach and not back in a closet which will take several minutes to get. If one thinks the KIT should be locked, then the whereabouts of the keys must be known by a least two three adults or responsible youths. Of course, the Kit should be high enough or behind closed doors to prevent little children from getting to it. As was stated before, let's emphasize that one should consistently inspect the Kit and renew items that are time-expired or even just not fresh or which are brittle. These should be discarded and replaced. It's important to every so often remind yourself how to use all the items which may save a life! Take a course in CPR /first aid in your local hospital, CPR training units, fire dept, paramedic service, etc. Furthermore, you can review some basic help procedure with children who are old enough to comprehend first aid practices. In order to organize the contents of your First Aid Kit, make a list of all its contents and adhere it to the inside lid. Also put a list of emergency phone numbers in the box or container or bag. Finally, maintain an ongoing list of replacement articles to buy in the Kit, because when the time comes, one wants to have all items ready and fresh.
Article Source: http://www.philvault.com
About the author: Mr Coheni is an owner of the Medical Training Aids Web store and has experience as a life guard. You can find valuable info regarding the First Aid Kit and links for purchasing First Aid Kits At his web store. This and other unique content first aid kit articles are available with free reprint rights.
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