Note: This is day 6 of National Preparedness Month. Follow this year’s campaign on Twitter by searching for the #NPM11 hash tag.
This month, as part of NPM11, I’ll be rerunning some edited and updated older preparedness essays, along with some new ones.
# 5816
Well equipped First Aid kits are a necessity in every home, and should also be found in every car as well. While you can purchase a ready-made kit (the quality of which varies depending on price), I’ve always preferred to create my own.
As a former paramedic I undoubtedly have a more elaborate kit than most, but perhaps a look inside my bag will inspire some of my readers to make one of their own.
The `bag’ is an old style Laptop computer case, with a handle and a shoulder strap. I like these, because they have numerous compartments, are soft, and are reasonably waterproof.
On the `trauma’ side of the bag, I’ve got `Kling’ roll bandages, an ACE bandage, a couple of cravat `Triangle’ bandage (sling & swath), sterile 4x4 gauze pads, paper tape, Band-Aids, antibiotic cream and several absorbent feminine pads (they make excellent trauma dressings).
On the opposite side, I’ve got an `ambu’ bag-mask resuscitator along with a selection of adult and child airways, a foam C-Collar, a B/P cuff, stethoscope, flashlight, and some ammonia caps – hidden away where you can’t see them are bandage shears, tweezers, and a magnifying glass, along with a spare pair of reading glasses.
There is also a penlight, a felt tipped pen, and a note pad.
Under the front `cover’ flap, I keep some basic OTC medicines, including aspirin, acetaminophen, some hand antiseptic, and a bulb syringe (can be used for minor suctioning).
Under the flap on the other side, I’ve got surgical & N95 masks, exam gloves, and a `space’ blanket.
Of course, having a kit isn’t enough. You need to know how to use it.
And for that, you need first aid training. If you haven’t already taken a course, contact your local Red Cross chapter, and find out what is available in your area. And don’t forget the CPR training (or recertification!) as well.
Whether you buy a ready-made kit, or make your own, now is a good time to make sure you are fully equipped to deal with a medical emergency.
For more information go to:
FEMA http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm
READY.GOV http://www.ready.gov/
AMERICAN RED CROSS http://www.redcross.org/
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