First aid kit: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:Sac-de-rea-milouf-img 1004.jpg|thumb|First aid kit of the [[French Army]]]]
[[Image:Sac-de-rea-milouf-img 1004.jpg|thumb|First aid kit of the French Army]]
A '''first aid kit''' is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving [[first aid]], particularly in a [[medical emergency]].  Most first aid kits contain [[bandage]]s for controlling [[bleeding]], personal protective equipment such as [[Medical gloves|gloves]] and a [[CPR mask|breathing barrier]] for performing [[rescue breathing]] and [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation|CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)]], and sometimes instructions on how to perform [[first aid]].
A '''first aid kit''' is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving [[first aid]], particularly in a medical emergency.  Most first aid kits contain bandages for controlling bleeding, personal protective equipment such as [[Medical gloves|gloves]] and a [[CPR mask|breathing barrier]] for performing rescue breathing and [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation|CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)]], and sometimes instructions on how to perform [[first aid]].


== Placement ==
== Placement ==
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The host of any large gathering of people is responsible for responding to any potential medical emergency.  This includes making sure that a responsible person has ready access to a first aid kit.
The host of any large gathering of people is responsible for responding to any potential medical emergency.  This includes making sure that a responsible person has ready access to a first aid kit.


[[School]]s keep a first aid kit in the main office, whether or not there is a designated [[nurse]].  [[Coach (sport)|Coaches]] and other athletic trainers should keep a first aid kit handy during sporting events.
Schools keep a first aid kit in the main office, whether or not there is a designated [[nurse]].  [[Coach (sport)|Coaches]] and other athletic trainers should keep a first aid kit handy during sporting events.


[[Soldier]]s carry a rudimentary first aid kit attached to their belt or harness.  It often contains a field dressing and powders or ointments to stop bleeding or prevent infection.  It is a standard military practice that the soldier should always use the injured person's first aid kit, ''not their own'', to tend to injuries.  The soldier treating the wounds may be needing their own kit later.
[[Soldier]]s carry a rudimentary first aid kit attached to their belt or harness.  It often contains a field dressing and powders or ointments to stop bleeding or prevent infection.  It is a standard military practice that the soldier should always use the injured person's first aid kit, ''not their own'', to tend to injuries.  The soldier treating the wounds may be needing their own kit later.


[[Paramedic]]s, EMTs and other prehospital emergency providers such as [[combat lifesaver]]s usually carry a comprehensive first aid kit.  Often called a "jump kit," this is a large duffel bag.  Some of the supplies in a jump kit are beyond the skill of a typical first-aid provider, but common first-aid supplies are also carried.
Paramedics, EMTs and other prehospital emergency providers such as [[combat lifesaver]]s usually carry a comprehensive first aid kit.  Often called a "jump kit," this is a large duffel bag.  Some of the supplies in a jump kit are beyond the skill of a typical first-aid provider, but common first-aid supplies are also carried.


[[Lifeguard]]s must have quick access to a well-stocked first aid kit at their place of employment. In Canada, they are trained to the level of "Standard First Aid," and can deal with many first aid situations from a stubbed toe to a victim with C-spine injuries and absent vital signs. Obviously, a lifeguard is no replacement for a [[paramedic]] or [[Physician|doctor]], but if you require care and a lifeguard is nearby, remember that they have training and a duty to act. Generally speaking, you may not use their first aid kit; they will have to provide care, and perhaps write a report per the regulations of the jurisdiction you are in.
Lifeguards must have quick access to a well-stocked first aid kit at their place of employment. In Canada, they are trained to the level of "Standard First Aid," and can deal with many first aid situations from a stubbed toe to a victim with C-spine injuries and absent vital signs. Obviously, a lifeguard is no replacement for a paramedic or doctor, but if you require care and a lifeguard is nearby, remember that they have training and a duty to act. Generally speaking, you may not use their first aid kit; they will have to provide care, and perhaps write a report per the regulations of the jurisdiction you are in.


== Contents ==
== Contents ==
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***Sterile nonadherent pads
***Sterile nonadherent pads
***Burn dressing (sterile pad soaked in a cooling gel)
***Burn dressing (sterile pad soaked in a cooling gel)
**Occlussive dressing (airtight dressing, can be used to treat a 'sucking chest wound', in which air is sucked into the chest cavity, collapsing the lung ([[pneumothorax]]). For this use, occlussive dressings should be taped on 3 sides only, to create a 'one-way valve')
**Occlussive dressing (airtight dressing, can be used to treat a 'sucking chest wound', in which air is sucked into the chest cavity, collapsing the lung (pneumothorax). For this use, occlussive dressings should be taped on 3 sides only, to create a 'one-way valve')
***petroleum gauze (also used as non-adherent dressing)
***petroleum gauze (also used as non-adherent dressing)
***Half of any gauze wrapper can be used, since the inside is sterile and air-tight
***Half of any gauze wrapper can be used, since the inside is sterile and air-tight


*'''[[Bandages]]''' (sterility is not necessary, used to secure a dressing)  
*'''Bandages''' (sterility is not necessary, used to secure a dressing)  
**Gauze Roller bandages - absorbent, breathable, and often elastic
**Gauze Roller bandages - absorbent, breathable, and often elastic
**Elastic bandages - used for sprains, and pressure bandages
**Elastic bandages - used for sprains, and pressure bandages
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[[Image:Disposable nitrile glove.jpg|thumb|Disposable gloves should be provided in a first aid kit]]
[[Image:Disposable nitrile glove.jpg|thumb|Disposable gloves should be provided in a first aid kit]]
'''Instruments'''
'''Instruments'''
*[[Adhesive tape]], [[hypoallergenic]]
*Adhesive tape, [[hypoallergenic]]
*[[Trauma shears|Trauma Shears]], for cutting clothing and general use
*[[Trauma shears|Trauma Shears]], for cutting clothing and general use
*[[Tweezers]]
*Tweezers
*Irrigation syringe, for cleaning wounds
*Irrigation syringe, for cleaning wounds
*Rubber suction bulb, for clearing the airway of an unconscious patient
*Rubber suction bulb, for clearing the airway of an unconscious patient
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**Wire ladder splint
**Wire ladder splint
*Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
*Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
**[[Medical gloves|Gloves]], disposable non-[[latex]]
**[[Medical gloves|Gloves]], disposable non-latex
**[[CPR mask]] or other breathing barrier such as a [[face shield]]
**[[CPR mask]] or other breathing barrier such as a [[face shield]]
*Eye cup or small plastic cup
*Eye cup or small plastic cup
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*[[Space blanket]] (lightweight plastic foil blanket, sometmes called "emergency blanket")
*[[Space blanket]] (lightweight plastic foil blanket, sometmes called "emergency blanket")
*Hand Sanitizer or antiseptic hand wipes
*Hand Sanitizer or antiseptic hand wipes
*[[Thermometer]]
*Thermometer
*Penlight
*Penlight


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**Ibuprofen (such as Advil) - anti-inflammatory, often more effective that acetaminophen
**Ibuprofen (such as Advil) - anti-inflammatory, often more effective that acetaminophen
**[[Naproxen]] (such as Aleve) - similar to ibuprofen, but stronger and longer lasting
**[[Naproxen]] (such as Aleve) - similar to ibuprofen, but stronger and longer lasting
**[[Aspirin]] - one 300mg Aspirin tablet may be given to a patient suffering a [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]], to be chewed slowly.
**Aspirin - one 300mg Aspirin tablet may be given to a patient suffering a [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]], to be chewed slowly.
*Antihistamines - can treat allergies and allergic reactions, including life-threatening [[anaphylactic shock]]. Although OTC (over-the-counter) medications are far less effective at treating anaphylaxis than epinephrine or prescription drugs, they are much better than nothing and can be potentially life saving, and therefore may be the most valuable medication in a first aid kit.
*Antihistamines - can treat allergies and allergic reactions, including life-threatening [[anaphylactic shock]]. Although OTC (over-the-counter) medications are far less effective at treating anaphylaxis than epinephrine or prescription drugs, they are much better than nothing and can be potentially life saving, and therefore may be the most valuable medication in a first aid kit.
**[[diphenhydramine]] (brand name Benadryl)
**[[diphenhydramine]] (brand name Benadryl)
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== Improvisation ==
== Improvisation ==


[[First aid]] can be performed without a first aid kit. Any cloth (preferably as clean as possible) can be used as a [[bandage]]. Duct tape could also be used to secure a dressing. Common household items such as a magazine or even sticks can be used for [[splint (medicine)|splints]]. Direct pressure to stop bleeding can be applied with a hand if nothing else presents itself. Obviously it is better to have proper equipment, but improvised equipment has saved many lives.
[[First aid]] can be performed without a first aid kit. Any cloth (preferably as clean as possible) can be used as a bandage. Duct tape could also be used to secure a dressing. Common household items such as a magazine or even sticks can be used for [[splint (medicine)|splints]]. Direct pressure to stop bleeding can be applied with a hand if nothing else presents itself. Obviously it is better to have proper equipment, but improvised equipment has saved many lives.


== See also ==
== See also ==


*[[First aid]]
*[[First aid]]
*[[Bug-out bag]]
*Bug-out bag


== External links ==
== External links ==
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[[de:Apotheke]]
[[de:Apotheke]]
[[fi:Ensiapupakkaus]]
[[fr:Trousse de secours]]
[[fr:Trousse de secours]]
[[it:Cassetta del pronto soccorso]]
[[it:Cassetta del pronto soccorso]]
[[nl:EHBO-kist]]
[[nl:EHBO-kist]]
[[pt:Kit de Primeiros Socorros]]
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