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Creating a First Aid Kit

What to put into a First Aid Kit



It is not difficult to put together a good first aid kit if you use a step by step approach. The items you will need fit into several categories, and we will look at each of those categories and give suggestions. You don't have to have a fancy container for your first aid items - just make sure you will be able to find what you need without tearing the whole thing apart.

When deciding which products to put in your kit, think about where and how it will be used and by whom. A first aid kit for your home would be different that the one you would want to have if you're camping out in the booneys. The number of people in your family and their ages should also be considered. A 2" elastic bandage is too small for a large man and a 4" one is too large for a small child.

Protecting yourself is very important so the first item in your kit will be disposable gloves, either latex or vinyl.


CATEGORY ONE: ARTIFICAL RESPIRATION


If the victim is not breathing and you are going to do Artificial Respiration, you will want to protect yourself with a shield or a mask with a one way valve.
  • A Rescue Breather is a plastic shield with a mouthpiece that fits into the victim's mouth and a one way valve that you breath into. This is a disposable product - use it once only then throw it away.
  • Angel Mask in a plastic case is an inexpensive formed masks with a one way valve. It comes with or without an oxygen intake valve.

If you haven't yet taken a CPR course, now would be a good time to consider doing so. Community Continuing Education offers Red Cross Classes, or call St. John Ambulance.

CATEGORY TWO: BLEEDING CONTROL


Something to absorb blood and perhaps to apply pressure is needed.
  • For bleeding - an ABD pad or a Sanitary napkin will do
  • To apply pressure - wrap an elastic bandage over the ABD pad or consider a compress or pressure dressing. Compresses can be 2"x2", 4"x4" or 6"x6'. Make sure that the compresses have stretch gauze ties on them. Non stretch ties can cut off the circulation. Pressure dressings have a very think absorbent pad, usually 4" x 6", and elastic bandage ties. Compresses and pressure dressing won't stick to the wound.

It may be necessary to pull the edges of the cut together. This can be done with a suture kit or a needle and thread or more simply by using a strip that will stick well to the skin.
  • Butterfly closures are adhesive strips designed to do this job.
  • Leukostrips are another wound closure - they are hypoallergenic and are often what is used in the emergency room instead of stitches.


CATERGORY THREE: CLEANSING AND DISINFECTING


Most injuries will not require ABD pads or pressure dressings but they all must be cleaned to prevent infection.

Items for cleansing a wound would include:
  • Antispetic towelettes
  • Chlorhexseptic or Stanhexadine
  • Peroxide mixed 1 part Peroxide to 3 parts water
  • First Aid Spray

You will need some non-sterile gauze to use with the last three items.

To prevent infection an antibiotic ointment is used. This would include tubes of
  • Polysporin
  • or Triplebiotic in tube or individual packets. This item has three dirrerent antibiotics for quicker healing


CATERGORY FOUR: DRESSING THE WOUND


Some wounds are bigger than what a bandaid would cover, so you will have to make your own.
  • Telfa pads (non adherant pads) come in 2"x3" or 3"x4" and can be taped over the wound or held in place with stretch roll gauze.
  • Tape can be adhesive or a variety of hypoallergenic kinds including plastic perforated, paper and silk.
  • Stretch roll gauze comes in 2", 3", 4" and 6" widths by 5 yards.
  • Roll dressings also are available in 1 1/2". 2" and 3" widths by 5 yards long - you cut off the length you require.

You won't want to apply gauze alone as a dressing as it will stick to the wound.

A "bandaid" isn't just a "bandaid" anymore! There are several different kinds available and a variety of shapes and sizes to cover most wounds.
  • Blue bandages that are metal detectable for the food industry.
  • Plastic strips can be flesh coloured, clear, cartoon or synthetic.
  • Fabric types include Elastoplast and Latex free.
  • Elastoplast is a heavy fabric and it really sticks to itself.
  • Latex free is a light fabric, hypoallergenic and promotes quicker healing. The shapes available in the latex free are Fingertip small and large, Knuckle, 4 -wing, Patch dressing, Ovals, Rounds and Strips.
  • There's even a synthetic bandage in tan or neon where water resistance is needed. It is also latex free


CATERGORY FIVE: CARE OF BURNS


A burn is your flesh cooking and the first step in treatment is to stop that process as quickly as possible. Once that is done, the burn can be assessed. Plunging the burned area into icy water, use Cold Spray or an instant cold pack are several ways to do this. It is important NOT to put anything on the burned area that may have to scrubbed off later until you assess the degree of injury.
  • Minor burns including sun burn can be treated with Cold Spray or can be soothed with Burn Free Gel. This product comes in individual packets as well as bottles. Burn Free contains menthol for cooling as well as Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera for enhanced healing. Burn Free can be used even if the skin is broken.
  • For more serious burns, a product call Burn Relief is excellent. It comes in 3" or 8" rolls, 2'x3' sheets or large blankets. This product is a treatment and dressing in one - sterile gelled water wraps that do not stick to the burned area and cool by evaporation.
  • If the burn has been caused by a chemical it is important to flush the area well before putting anything on it.


CATERGORY SIX: STRAINS, SPRAINS AND SPLINTING


There are a variety of strains and sprains and a variety of products to deal with them.
  • Most sprains respond well to cold to reduce the swelling. Cold Spray and cold packs work well. Mini cold packs are great for little people. Reusable cold packs contain a gel that stays flexible even when kept in the freezer section of your fridge.
  • Tongue depressors make great splints for fingers.
  • Alumifoam splints are foam-covered aluminium that can be cut with scissors to fit the finger. Both of these items can be held in place with stretch roll gauze or tape.
  • SAM splints can be used to splint everything but a femur.
  • Triangular bandages are used as slings for arms.
  • Sprained wrists and ankles can be wrapped with an elastic bandage for support. They are available in 2", 3", 4" and 6" x 5 yard rolls.


CATERGORY SEVEN: CARE OF EYES


If something is in an eye and a cotton tipped applicator can't remove it, it is time for a trip to the emergency room. Eye loops and magnets look, at first, to be great gadgets to remove something from the eye. However, they can cause further injury by tearing the eyeball. Make a do-nut ring from a triangular bandage and put around the eye area. Cover with a piece of gauze and go to the doctor.

If the eyes are irritated or have dust in them, rinsing with a Saline solution will help sooth them. If some chemical has been splashed in the face, a neutralizing solution should be poured over the area immediately, then flushed with water for at least 20 minutes. If medical attention is then required put an Eye Occlusor (bandage for the eye) over the eye. This will keep out light and keep the eye still.

CATERGORY EIGHT: MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS


There are other items to be considered for your first aid kit. Some of these include:
  • Scissors - bandage, surgical and utility shears
  • Forceps or tweezers for slivers
  • Sting stop wipes (an Epi-Pen if allergic to stings)
  • Mylar blanket in case of shock
  • Lightsticks
  • 36 Hour Heat Candles
  • Water Purification tablets



Angel Safety Products Inc. has a large selection of first aid kits from WCB required kits for industrial use for all provinces, to boat kits, sports kits, disaster kits for earthquakes for home and business, and custom designed kits.

See some of our kits in our online store, or contact us for more information.