Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. A common saying that can be applied to many factors in life, including first aid preparation. You never know when you’ll be required to administer first aid, so it’s always better to be prepared with the correct items.
So what items should you have in your first aid kit? What is the purpose of each of the items?
- crepe bandages of varying widths – used to treat sprains and strains in joints and muscles
- hypoallergenic (skin) tape – designed to firmly adhere to to skin or bandages and can be removed without damaging sensitive skin
- triangular bandages – used as an arm sling or pad to control bleeding
- adhesive dressing strips (such as bandaids) in different sizes – sticky tape with gauze used to cover small cuts
- gauze swabs – used for wound dressing, protection, blood spill and applying antiseptic
- combine dressing pads (10cm x 10cm) – treat large bleeding wounds
- alcohol/antiseptic swabs – used to disinfect the skin
- stainless steel scissors (sharp/blunt) 12.5cm – used to cut bandages to fit wounds
- disposable gloves (for your hand size – small/medium/large) – added barrier against infection
- stainless steel pointed splinter forceps (tweezers) – can be used to remove debris, glass, dirt and splinters from a wound
- safety pins – used to immobilize an arm by pinning the cuff of a long sleeve shirt to its chest to fashion a makeshift arm sling
- notepad and permanent marker – allow you to record the first aid treatment and any symptoms to relay to medical staff
- sterile saline tubes – used for flushing out any items in the eye
- stop itch cream – provides fast relief from itching caused by mosquitos, bees and other insects
- A copy of your medical history and current medication
- Medications if required – painkillers, anti-inflammatories etc
How often should you check and maintain your first aid kit?
It is recommended that you check and stocktake your first aid kit every 6 months, while remembering to restock items as you use it.
Although this is a highly recommended list, we encourage you to personalise it to your medical needs. Everyone is different and therefore should focus on your medical needs.
Contact Alsco to organise your workplace first aid kit today
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