First aid refers to the first assistance rendered to a person that sustains a sudden injury or suffers from a sudden ailment. It is usually a temporary care just before medical attention is given to the person. It basically prevents the case from deteriorating. Activities like treating a bruise, performing CPR just before the ambulance arrives are known as first aid activities.
The first aid box is used to store first aid kits and its contents varies based on the settings although some basic items cut across several settings. It is advisable to have one in the home, the car and other places you spend time in. In fact, it is very important that you familiarize with the basic kits and procedures in using them so that you can help yourself and others in the face of emergency.
According to the Red Cross Society, the following are supposed to be in the first aid box for a family of four:
- 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
- 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
- 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
- 5 antiseptic wipe packets
- 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
- I blanket
- 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
- 1 instant cold compress
- 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)
- 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
- Scissors
- 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
- 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
- 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
- 2 triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- And the first aid instruction booklet [Available on the Red Cross Store]
I hope you learnt a lot from this. In subsequent posts, we would be looking at first aid tips for common injuries and ailments such as burns, bruises, CPR Procedure. Stay healthy!!!
