A first aid kit is an essential item for treating injuries and ensuring quick and efficient care during emergencies. It’s a box, bag, or pack that holds supplies used to treat minor injuries including cuts, scrapes, burns, bruises, and sprains. More elaborate first aid kits can also include survival supplies, life-saving emergency supplies, or convenience items like bug sting wipes or cold and flu medicines.
Individuals who want to prepare for medical emergencies or have an injury need to have the appropriate first aid supplies ready to use. This article aims to give you an idea of the types of injuries to prepare for and a list of the supplies used for each injury.
There is also a supply list for basic first aid kits that can be used for the injuries described. As always, when possible, seek medical attention for any serious injuries.
Examples of Injuries and What First Aid Supplies to Use
Trauma Injuries
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Gunshot Wound: Use pressure bandages, compressed gauze, tourniquets, and latex-free gloves to control bleeding. "Stop the Bleed" packs contain these life-saving first aid products.
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Severed / Crushed Limb: A tourniquet is crucial to stop hemorrhage and blood loss.
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Deep Wound: Compressed gauze, abdominal dressing, compress bandages, or blood-stopping bandages are used to apply pressure, control bleeding, and prevent contamination.
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2nd & 3rd Degree Burns: Sterile water, water-based gels, saturated gauze, and sterile gauze dressings help cool the skin, reduce infection risk, and relieve pain.
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Broken Bone: Triangular bandages, splinting materials, elastic bandages, and first aid tape are used to immobilize the bone. For compound fractures, use sterile gauze and compress dressings. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Minor Injuries
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Cuts & Scrapes: Use adhesive bandages, butterfly bandages, antiseptics, gauze pads, first aid tape, and gauze rolls to treat and protect minor cuts and scrapes.
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Minor Burns: Burn sprays and water-based burn gels relieve pain and treat the burn. Avoid using oils, butter, or petroleum-based ointments.
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Minor Eye Irritations: Sterile eye irrigation solutions (eye wash) rinse dust or dirt from the eye. Use a single-use bottle or an eye cup.
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Sprains & Strains: For a twisted ankle, sprained finger, or wrist, use an instant cold pack to reduce swelling and pain. Wrapping or splinting may require elastic compression products and splinting materials.
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Eye Injuries: Eye injuries should be seen by a medical professional. Eye pads can keep the eye closed and protected. Do not attempt to remove foreign objects yourself.
Skin Care-Related Injuries
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Sunburn, Poison Ivy, Hives, Insect Stings: Over-the-counter ointments are typically sufficient. Burn gel is useful for minor sunburn, medicated washes and creams for poison ivy, and antihistamines like Benadryl for bug bites. Seek medical attention for serious reactions.
What is the rule of first aid box?
Remember the golden rules of first aid: prioritise safety, assess the situation, and victim, call for help, control bleeding, treat for shock, be mindful of head and spinal injuries, and attend to burns.
Basic First Aid Kit Supply List
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Adhesive Tape: Secures dressings for minor wounds.
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Instant Cold Pack: Provides cold therapy for sprains and muscular injuries.
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Gauze Pads: Sterile wound care dressing for cuts and scrapes.
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First Aid Guide: Pocket guide for treating first aid emergencies.
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Sterile Eye Pads: For minor eye injuries.
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First Aid Burn Cream: Reduces pain and aids in healing burns.
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Gauze Bandage: Roll bandage for dressing wounds and burns.
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Triangular Bandage: Used for slings, head dressings, or securing dressings.
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Medical Gloves: Latex-free gloves protect against bodily fluids.
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Scissors: For cutting tape, bandages, gauze, or clothing.
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Combine Pad: Sterile, absorbent dressing for large wounds.
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Adhesive Bandages: Latex-free dressings for minor wounds.
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Elastic Bandage Roll: Supports injuries and secures dressings.
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Hand Sanitizer: Antibacterial packets for hand hygiene.
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CPR Mask: Single-use mask protects the rescuer from bodily fluids.
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Antiseptic Towelette: Cleans and disinfects cuts and scrapes to prevent infection.
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Burn Dressing: Gel-soaked dressings for minor burns.
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Eye Wash Solution: Single-use solution for removing debris from eyes.
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Antibiotic Ointment: Prevents skin infections in cuts, scratches, and minor burns.
Additional Supplies
- Medications for pain relief (ibuprofen, aspirin)
- Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds
- Tweezers for splinters
Having a well-stocked first aid kit is crucial for addressing a variety of injuries. Ensure your kit is complete and easily accessible, and always seek professional medical attention for serious injuries.
FAQS
Why are first aid kits important?
As a result, an emergency first aid kit designed for use in a disaster must serve multiple purposes: 1) contain provisions for minor injuries and illnesses, 2) provide life-saving equipment for severe injuries, and 3) serve as a resource for longer-term issues, such as wound care or minor illnesses.
How often do first aid kits need to be checked?
once every 12 months
replace items as soon as possible after they are used. check the kit after each use or at least once every 12 months. check that items are in good working order, have not become unusable and haven't gone past their expiry date. check that sterile items are still sealed.
What is not allowed in a first aid kit?
What is not allowed in a first aid kit? Your first aid box shouldn't contain any items that are out of date or no longer in a state to be used, e.g. they're no longer sterile or have become soiled or damp for whatever reason. First aid kits shouldn't contain any types of tablets or medication either.
