Health & Fitness Tools

Checklist Of Key First Aid Bag Items

17th March, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Every Athletic Trainer carries a bag with him or her in the event that an athlete is in need of first aid 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 items necessary to treat an on the field injury, such as a broken bone or a concussion. Splints, bandages, and ice packs are sure to be in every bag. While you might not have the skills or certifications that an Athletic Trainer has, and would never attempt 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 procedures 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 would never need. There are a few items, however, which are universally recommended for all first aid kits. The following is a list of common first aid items which you may consider including in your assembled first aid kits.

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

• A well planned bag should contain bandages and bandage pins or tape

• A useful kit should have antiseptic ointment or hand wipes

• A well packaged kit should contain a pair of tweezers

• A well stocked kit should contain an instant ice pack

• A well stocked kit should have a clean cloth

• A well stocked kit will contain burn ointment

• A useful bag should contain smelling salts

• A well stocked kit should provide latex gloves

Anyone choosing to keep a first aid kit should remember to open it periodically, even if it has not been put to use. In particular, if you carry any pain reliever or analgesic, checking expiration dates is important. It is so imperative that first aid kits are updated periodically to make sure they are well stocked with the essentials. How awful it would be to be looking at a situation; where someone was in need of help and the kit was lacking helpful 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 valuable and essential materials. Accidents are often unavoidable. Typically, most injuries around the home or office are inconsequential 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 they should be needed.