WHAT GOES IN A FIRST AID KIT? By Christophe Gury
What does one exactly put in a first aid kit? A first aid kit can be as simple as a pair of latex gloves in a plastic bag, and can go into a backpack. But to us, the first aid kit is a valuable asset to have in order to minimize the risk in any situation. We are going to list what can be included in a first aid kit, in order of importance, along with the use of the item within situations, activities, and constraints.
Protection Gloves It is important to include gloves in any first aid kit. Gloves are essential to have for protection in case of vomiting or hemorrhages. It is vital to add latex gloves, or in case of allergies, one can have PVC or nitrile type. It is important to keep them in their original packaging or in a plastic freezer bag. Note that gloves will expire, they must be kept away from heat, checked regularly (annually), and kept absolutely clean. Survival blanket This is an important component to have in any first aid kit. We prefer to have the metallized plastic type with silver and gold film. In order to use the survival blanket effectively the person must be "wrapped" inside with either silver side inside (insulates from humidity, cold and rain: the body retains its temperature), or silver side outside (protects from the sun). If you cannot move the person, due to a suspicion of a fracture, you simply put the blanket on them, silver side against the body, leaving the injured part visible for close monitoring. Plastic bags Plastic bags such as freezer bags can be used as emergency protection in case of hemorrhage, or to dispose of soiled waste (dirty bandages), or to collect sputum of blood and vomit (collected to be shown to a doctor for further evaluation). EPST MAGAZINE • SPRING 2021 • ISSUE 5
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