Necessity Of Stocking And Updating First Aid Kit

By U Learn It | February 13, 2010

Every Athletic Trainer carries a bag with him or her in the event that an athlete is in need of some medical treatment. Each and every certified Athletic Trainer is familiar withcardiac science and consequently the kit must contain the necessaryCPR supplies . Their bag will also contain everything which may be needed to treat an on the field injury, such as a broken bone or a concussion. Splints, bandages, and ice packs are sure to be included in each kit. While you might not have the skills or certifications that an Athletic Trainer has, and would not know the first thing about trying complex life saving procedures, administering basic first aid, whether at home, your neighborhood football game, the playground, or around the office is something you can do. Helping out with the most basic first aid treatments is something every mom, dad, co-worker, or spectator can do. It is simply a matter of having the right tools available. Every office, car, home, and school sporting event should have first aid kits available in case they are needed. First aid kits vary in materials, depending on who the kit is primarily going to be used by. Professionals often have kits with extensive materials covering a variety of emergencies. For example, a first respondents kit may contain materials that a home first aid kit may not. There are a few items, however, which are generally accepted for all first aid kits. The following is a list of common first aid items which you may consider placing in your home and travel first aid kits.

• A well stocked kit should have band aids of all sizes and shapes

• A well stocked kit should contain bandages and bandage pins or tape

• A useful kit should have antiseptic ointment or hand wipes

• A well stocked kit should contain a pair of tweezers

• A well packed bag should contain an instant ice pack

• A well stocked kit should have a sanitary cloth

• A well thought out kit should contain burn ointment

• A well stocked kit should contain smelling salts

• A well stocked kit should provide latex gloves

Anyone choosing to keep a first aid kit should remember to check it occasionally, even if it has not been put to use. In particular, if you carry any pain reliever or analgesic, checking expiration dates may be a good idea. It is so imperative that first aid kits are checked regularly to make sure they are well stocked with the essentials. How awful it would be to be faced with a situation; where someone was in need of help and the kit was lacking proper first aid supplies. Whether you are preparing a kit to keep in your kitchen at home, or for the glove compartment of your car, or for the break room at the office, make sure to include these useful and necessary materials. Accidents can and will happen. Typically, most injuries around the home or office are small and can be easily taken care of with a simple antiseptic application and a band aid. Make sure that in addition to a well stocked kit, you have all emergency numbers at the ready, just in case there are calls to be made.