First Aid Training - Kits - Supplies

Training in First Aid is more important than the kit itself!

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First Aid kits are essential to a survival plan. A small, simple first aid kit with a few supplies can be carried in a briefcase, purse, or a school backpack. Keeping one in a car is excellent planning. A complete first aid kit usually entails a larger volume bag to itself.  Getting the proper training in first aid is extremely important!

First Aid Kit - Image: Morguefile

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Do you know what supplies should be in a complete first aid kit and do you have the proper first aid training to use it?

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Simple first aid kits include the following:

• Adhesive Bandages 
• Medical Tape 
• Antiseptic wipes 
• Burn cream
• Anti-bacterial creams for simple wounds
• Ammonia packets for fainting 
• Medications - Ibuprofen or aspirin for fevers and aches 
• Antihistamines for allergic reactions such as an insect bite. 

In addition to the supplies listed above many of the higher quality first aid kits include a small pair of metal scissors and tools such as tweezers and suture kits. They will have wound packing materials like gauze and material for a sling. They might even include items like an eye wash or a Coghlan's Snake Bite Kit. With a complete kit you should be able to stabilize someone with some simple measures until help arrives. 
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How bout a smile about first aid before we get to the serious stuff?

First Aiders - Minnie Mouse, Pluto, And Figaro learning about first aid...

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First Aid Training:

Reading a First Aid Book and thinking you know about first aid and what to do in emergencies is about as effective as this cartoon. Don't clown around with injuries. Get the proper working knowledge of first aid BEFORE you have to use it!

Learning the basics like CPR, treating shock, and simple wound care can make a big difference in your life or someone else's. These things take proper training and educating in approved classes!

First aid situations are always frightening. There is almost always bleeding and possible trauma involved unless it's a simple cut or strain. The aftermath of disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes generally leave an area very hazardous. The risk of being cut or injured by flying debris or sharp objects such as metal or glass is a possibility. 

First Aid Administered to Earthquake Victims

Image - Allposters (affiliate permissions)

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Common First Aid Conditions From Wikipedia - First Aid:

• Bone fractures
• Burns
• Cardiac Arrest
• Choking
• Childbirth.
• Heart attack, or inadequate blood flow to the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle.
• Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke or hyperthermia, 
• Heavy bleeding
• Hypothermia, or Exposure
• Insect and animal bites and stings.
• Joint dislocation.
• Poisoning
• Seizures
• Muscle strains and Sprains
• Wounds and bleeding, including lacerations, incisions and abrasions

When a person is bleeding heavily or unconscious this person needs to be treated by an expert trained in first aid and it's applications.
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Seek help Immediately!!!
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If you are unsure how to proceed it is best if you do nothing rather than possibly cause more damage. People have had their rib cages broken by someone administering CPR the wrong way. First aid is no laughing matter and should be administered by someone who knows exactly what they are doing!

Having the proper education in first aid training is a very wise decision.

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Related Article: Red Cross and FEMA - Emergency Skills

Where did you take your first aid training class?