Essential Contents of a First Aid Box are contents that you are very likely to find in any first aid box. These contents are very important and serves a very vital role.
In this article, we will highlight these contents and their uses; follow us.
What is first aid
It is a first skilled treatment administered to a sick or injured person by a first aider which helps preserve life, prevent condition from worsening and enhance recovery. Hansaplast India First aid can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating a minor burn; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; massage; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress.
There are many situations which may require first aid, and many countries have legislation, regulation, or guidance which specifies a minimum level of first aid provision in certain circumstances. This can include specific training or equipment to be available in the workplace (such as an daily Automated External Defibrillator), the provision of specialist first aid cover at public gatherings, or mandatory first aid training within schools.
Limitations of First Aid
The nature of first aid means that most people will only have a limited knowledge, and in emergency situations, first aiders are advised to FIRST seek professional help. This is done by calling, or assigning an able bystander to call, an emergency number, which is 9-1-1 in many places. There is no worldwide common emergency number. The European Union has established 1-1-2 as the universal emergency number for all its member states.
The GSM mobile phone standard designates 1-1-2 as an emergency number, so it will work on GSM systems to contact help, even in North America. In the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, the numbers 999, 112 and 911 all work in parallel. In emergency situations, it is important that the responder seek help immediately, seeking professional help by other means, if telephone contact is unavailable. The risks of inadvertently doing further injury to a victim, and/or the responder sustaining injury themselves while applying aid, can often outweigh the benefits of applying immediate treatment.
Essential Content of the First Aid Box and their Uses
1. Adhesive Dressing (Plasters)
First aid box contains a box of adhesive dressing (Plasters) of different sizes for covering small wounds. A roll of plaster (Cloth backed, plasticized or micro-pore tape). Blunt-ended scissors for cutting bandage of plaster.
Adhesive dressings, commonly known as plasters, are sterile and self-adhesive medical devices used for wound care. Comprising a gauze or non-stick pad affixed to an adhesive backing, they adhere securely to the skin to protect minor cuts, abrasions, or wounds. Plasters promote healing by shielding the injury from contaminants, reducing infection risk, and fostering a conducive healing environment.
2. Antiseptic Lotion
An antiseptic lotion is a liquid solution containing antimicrobial agents that help prevent infection in wounds and cuts. In a first aid box, it serves as a crucial component for cleaning and disinfecting minor injuries. Applied topically, antiseptic lotions, such as hydrogen peroxide or povidone-iodine, aid in reducing the risk of bacterial contamination, supporting a hygienic environment for wound healing, and preventing potential complications.
3. Cotton Wool
Cotton wool is soft, absorbent material made from cotton fibers, often found in a first aid box. It is utilized for various purposes, such as cleaning wounds, applying antiseptic lotions, or creating a protective layer over injuries. Its gentle texture makes it suitable for wound care, ensuring a hygienic and sterile environment.
4. Triangular Bandages
Triangular bandages are large, triangular pieces of cloth or non-woven material commonly included in first aid boxes. They serve multiple functions, such as creating slings for arm support, stabilizing fractures, or securing dressings. Their versatility makes them invaluable for improvising various bandages and providing essential support in emergency situations.
5. Sterile Dressings (Field Dressings)
Sterile dressings, commonly known as field dressings, are sterile pads or bandages stored in first aid boxes. They are designed to cover and protect wounds, cuts, or injuries, preventing infection and promoting healing. Their sterile nature ensures a clean environment, and they often come in various sizes for versatility in addressing different types of wounds.
6. Aspirin or Paracetamol
Painkillers are part of the component of a first aid box. Painkillers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), or ibuprofen.
7. Anti histamine cream
Antihistamine cream is a topical medication containing antihistamine agents. In a first aid box, it is used to relieve itching, redness, and swelling associated with insect bites, stings, or minor allergic reactions. The cream works by inhibiting histamine, a chemical released during allergic responses, providing symptomatic relief for skin irritations and allergic conditions.
8. Tweezers for Removing Splinters
Tweezers in a first aid box are small, pointed instruments designed for precision. They are primarily used for removing splinters, small foreign objects, or debris embedded in the skin. The fine tips allow careful extraction, reducing the risk of further injury. Tweezers are essential for maintaining cleanliness and preventing infection during the removal of foreign bodies.
9. Tubular gauze bandages
Tubular gauze bandages are elasticated, seamless tubes of sterile gauze used in first aid boxes. They are versatile and serve multiple purposes, such as securing dressings, supporting limbs, or holding wound pads in place. The tubular design allows for easy application on various body parts, providing comfortable and effective compression, making them particularly useful for securing dressings on fingers, toes, or limbs.
10. Two or Three Crepe or Conforming Bandages
Conforming bandages in a first aid box are elastic, stretchable bandages made from crepe or other conforming materials. They are used for providing compression, support, and securing dressings on different parts of the body. These bandages are particularly useful for wrapping around limbs to control swelling, immobilize joints, or hold wound dressings securely in place during the healing process. Their flexibility and adaptability make them essential for various first aid applications, aiding in the stabilization and protection of injuries.
See first aid emergency treatment guide for different conditions
READ: OHS Meaning (Occupational Health And Safety)?
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