Let's define first aid. Urgent medical care provided to someone who is in need of immediate assistance due to illness or injury, before qualified professional help arrives on the scene. You may be assisting people with injuries that vary in severity. One day you might be helping someone with a paper cut, and tomorrow it could be heart attack or cardiac arrest. The most important thing is to define the situation based on the information available and proceed with medical assistance according to your training and knowledge. This course will prepare you for these types of situations and besides other benefits and requirements could put you in the position to save someone's life. Also, this material should be reviewed on regular basis to refresh your knowledge. We all forget things we do not often use, and refreshing what you already know will only enhance your first aid administration skills.
First Aid Kit:
One of the keys to performing successful first aid is a properly stocked First Aid Kit. These are readily available online or at major retailers and generally have everything necessary to perform First Aid. Once the First Aid Kit is purchased, the personnel should be informed of the location. The location should be in the common and accessible area so everyone in need can use the supplies. Also, a procedure for regularly checking and replenishing the Kit is essential to insure that necessary supplies are available when needed.
Typical content of the common size kit would include (content and quantities may vary by manufacturer):
Sample First Aid Kit:
(16) 3/4"x3" Adhesive plastic bandages
(1) 2"x4" Elbow & knee plastic bandage
(1) 1-3/4"x2" Small fingertip fabric bandage
(4) 2"x2" Gauze dressing pads, (2) 2-pks
(4) 3"x3" Gauze dressing pads, (2) 2-pks
(2) 4"x4" Gauze dressing pads, (1) 2-pks
(1) 5"x9" Trauma pad
(1) 2"x4.1 yd. Conforming gauze roll bandage
(1) 3"x4.1 yd. Conforming gauze roll bandage
(1) Triangular sling/bandage
(1) 6"x9" Instant cold compress
(2) Exam quality gloves, 1 pair
(1) Sterile eye pad
(3) Triple antibiotic ointment packs
(1) Burn relief pack, 3.5 gm
(6) Alcohol cleansing pads
(6) Antiseptic cleansing wipes (sting free)
(1) 1"x5 yd. First aid tape roll
(6) Aspirin tablets, (3) 2-pks
(1) 4-1/2" Scissors, nickel plated
(1) 4" Tweezers, plastic
(1) First aid guide
You should review the above list and be aware of the content, so when the need arise you know which supplies are available to you. Also, review the first aid guide, which is included in the kit to become familiar with directions and guidelines on how to use the material.