First Aid Kits, Emergency Preparedness, Trauma Kits, First Responder Kits

What is First Aid?

First aid is the immediate, direct treatment of an injured person. Anyone can administer aid at the first signs of trouble who has a basic understanding of medical treatment. Simple procedures may include dressing a wound, stopping blood loss by applying pressure, treating a burn with ointment, or setting a bone with a splint. Some types, such as performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), require an individual to receive specialized training from an accredited program.

Many minor injuries can be taken care of with simple, immediate medical attention. For instance, a small cut, burn, or blister can be attended to by thoroughly cleaning the injury, applying a topical antibiotic cream, and covering it with a bandage or wrap. Treating muscle strains, bruises, animal bites, and swelling usually involve icing and compressing the injuries, as well as taking anti-inflammatory or analgesic medications. Some injuries require medical treatment beyond the average person’s abilities. For example, a person who is drowning or choking may need a trained professional to administer CPR or the Heimlich maneuver. Seizures, strokes, concussions, and broken bones are special challenges for immediate medical care providers. These generally require keeping the victim calm and conscious while temporarily relieving symptoms.

What Should be Included in a First Aid Kit?

Injuries can happen at home or away from home at any time, during an auto accident, a natural disaster, or as a result of other threats. Therefore, it is important to have a fully stocked first aid kit readily available. One kit must always remain in the home and the other kit can be in the car. The first aid kit for the home should be in a large, clean container that is easy to transport and simple to open. If it is too hard to open, or too bulky, it could be detrimental if a significant injury happens. Having it large and roomy enables the supplies to be found quickly when in a hurry.

A first aid kit for the home should contain:
• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Cough suppressants
• Dropper for oral medicine
• Prescription medication, if necessary
• Safety pins
• Several sizes of bandages
• Gauze
• Adhesive tape
• Elastic wraps
• Scissors with sharp blades
• Alcohol wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic cleanser
• Self-activating cold packs
• Tweezers

It is good to keep a list of the items in the kit inside, or taped to the lid. It is important to have dosages clearly written for each medicine, so time will not be wasted trying to determine the dosage needed. The first aid kit in the car should be very durable so it can withstand wear and tear from being in the trunk of it. A portable kit is handy to have whenever away from home, such as after a fall, a sports injury, a natural disaster, or a terrorist threat. It should have the same items as the home kit, but should also include:
• Thermometer
• Flashlight and batteries
• Latex or rubber gloves
• Mouthpiece in case CPR is needed
• Emergency numbers

Since both first aid kits have medicine, they should be located out of the reach of children. It is important to have the contents fit the needs of each family, such as infant, toddler, and adult needs. For example, having all sizes of bandages, and the various medications required for each family member.

What is a First Responder?

A certified first responder is a person who has completed a course and received certification in providing pre-hospital care for medical emergencies. Those who are certified should have received much more instruction than someone who is trained in basic first aid and CPR. But, they are not necessarily a substitute for more advanced emergency medical care given by EMTs (emergency medical technicians) and paramedics. Certified first responders typically provide CPR, advanced first aid level care, and automated external defibrillator usage. The term ‘certified first responder’ should not be confused with ‘first responder,’ which is a generic term referring to the first medically trained responder to arrive on the scene. Most police officers and all professional firefighters in the US must be at least certified first responders, this is a job requirement. Some obtain more training to become EMTs or paramedics.

What is a First Responder Kit?

A first responder kit is an equipment bag designed for first responders like firefighters and paramedics who may be treating those with traumatic injuries. They hold a variety of equipment and supplies that may be useful and are very rugged to withstand harsh conditions in the field. First responders do not know what to expect when going to an emergency and must rely on the gear that is carried in ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, trauma vans, and other emergency vehicles.

The contents of a first responder kit can include bandages, gloves, medications, stethoscopes, ventilation equipment, portable defibrillators, bags of fluids, heart rate monitors, intravenous solutions, and a variety of other supplies. It is typically organized into compartments to allow those working with them to divide up supplies and quickly access what is needed. The kit bag is made from washable materials to speed up cleaning in the event it is exposed to dust, mud, body fluids, and other materials present at the scene of an emergency. Color coded bags are available to help workers grab the right kinds of supplies quickly. They can also be available for special purposes, such as radiological, chemical, and biological emergencies. A bag can be configured with changeable compartments, movable and adjustable straps, and other designs to allow personnel to organize the bags as needed.

Rehabmart is proud to carry first aid and first responder kits from top quality vendors, including Sammons Preston, Medline, McKesson Medical-Surgical and Ferno-Washington.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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