First aid kit

From ArticleWorld

The first aid kit is a collection of medical supplies and equipment which can be used in first aid procedures. The first aid kit usually contains bandages, rubber gloves, various drugs and often even first-aid instructions.

It is a common practice to keep the first aid kits in easily reachable places, in clearly marked recipients. In many countries, the standard laws impose all vehicle drivers to have first aid kits in their vehicles. Schools, soldiers, paramedics and lifeguards must have first aid kits at their disposal, often under medical regulations.

Contents

There are many standards when it comes about medical kits. The contents themselves are often subject to changes, depending on the local conditions involved. For example, there is no reason for the vehicles in a desert expedition to have seasick medication in their first aid kits. However, general guidelines recommend the following to be present in a first-aid kit:

• Sterile dressings to apply directly on the wound.
• Bandages, used to complete a wound dressing. They should be sterile but this is not mandatory.
• Various instruments, including scissors, adhesive tape, syringes etc.
• General use equipment, including a flashlight, a radio and batteries for them, a wire ladder splint, plastic cups, thermometers etc.
• General medication, including antiseptics and antimicrobials, painkillers, various anti-fever drugs etc. Medication must have a long shelf life.

Improvising

When a first-aid kit is absent, various improvisations can be done if it is absolutely necessary. For example, a clean cloth can be used instead of a bandage, and duct tape can be used to secure it. It should be noted that the usage of such improvisations is not recommended, but, when no other choice is present, it is best to apply them.