FIRST AID TIPS & KIT

The place and important of safety and protection within the home and working environment cannot be over rulled.There's no gainsay in the fact that unforseen circumstances leading to injury and accident often occurs either at work or home.

First Aid is a measure put in place in anticipation of such occurrences to give a first hand and initial treatment of victims before setting out to hospital or clinic for expert medical attention.

This becomes necessary as it helps in soothing the wounds of injury sustained during accidents.It is an emergency solution medically established at work place or home to met out help and offer adequate attention to victims.

So first aid is a collection of some basic medical items that can be used during emergencies in the office,home or any other accident prone area.Due to ignorance of what first aid is all about,its contents and functions,many avoidable fatalities have occured.

CONTENTS OF FIRST AID KIT

Basic items of first aid kit include-

*First aid manual
*Elastic wraps to wrap wrist,ankle,knee and elbow injuries
*Bandages of assorted types used for minor cuts and grazes.
*Triangular bandages as sling to support an injured arm or shoulder.
*Sterileabsorbent gauze pads in two to four inches size for larger cuts and grazes.
*Adhesive tape to keep gauze in place.
*Antiseptic wipes for cleaning of hands and to disinfect wounds.
*Safety pins of various sizes to fasten splints and bandages.
*Cold packs for icing injuries.
*Rubber gloves to protect hands.
*Tweezers for removal of bee stingers,splinters,ticks and other foreign objects.
*Calamine lotion.
*A thermometer.
*Petroleum jelly.
*Antihistamine cream for insect bites.
Paracetamol for pain relieve.

ACQUISITION OF FIRST AID KIT

Since there's no official standard for first aid kits,the contents do varies from place to place.It is best to make up the kit by oneself depending on the size and need of the home or office.

However,some pharmaceutical stores sell ready-made first aid kits at affordable rates.The only thing is to check its contents to confirm it compliance with your need.

POSITIONING OF FIRST AID KIT
The position should be central enough as to give easy access to all during emergencies.Strategic as the position may be,it should be in a cool and dry place.
The container should be large enough and the items well arranged so that the items would be easily spotted when needed.

Waterproof container is ideal for first aid kit.

USAGE OF FIRST AID KITS
Adequate knowledge of how to use the content of the first aid kit is as important as having it.So all adults, older children and teenagers in case of family setting should know how to use it.

In the office environment,all member of staff must as a matter of fact be convesant with the first aid kit,its content and usage.Let the first aid manual be included in the kit.Ensure to check for expiry dates of items in the kit in order to discard and replace expired ones.

Best Wishes