There is one thing that will be the same in every business you happen to either work in or visit, and that thing will be some first aid bags. It will be found in businesses not just because having one on hand is a good idea, but more than that, it is required by law. The Occupational Safety and Health Organization, otherwise known as OSHA, requires that every business, pursuant to its standards, have some first aid bags of this nature on hand. The reality is that even though some government regulations that are imposed on businesses might seem a little needless and ridiculous, the fact is that requiring businesses to have one or more of these kits on hand is one of the few things that the government gets right.

While you may know that first aid bags are required to be on hand in any business, you might wonder where to get these kits. If you need to purchase some first aid bags, one of the best places iswww.criticalresponsefirstaid.com This will help you to be sure that the kit you purchase meets the OSHA requirements for these first aid kits. With some kits, you will find that they are put together for home use, and they will not meet the mandated guidelines. To meet OSHA regulations, first aid bags must contain at least one absorbent compress, 16 adhesive bandages, one 5 yard roll of adhesive tape, 10 packets of antiseptic, 6 applications of burn treatment, at least 2 sets of medical exam gloves, 4 sterile pads and one triangular bandage. If the kit you are looking at does not meet these standards then you will need to find one that does.

Of course while having the basics in first aid bags is necessary to avoid any safety violations that could possibly be levied against your business, there are other things that can be added to make even more extensive and complete first aid bags. Things like eye patches, chemical cold compresses, eyewash, CPR barrier devices and an assortment of various bandages and compresses can fill out a more complete kit that will allow you to be prepared for almost any situation that could arise if aid is needed. Obviously there are many other items that could be added to any set of first aid bags. Even other incident-related products such as flashlights or flares could help in a true emergency. The types of situations that your first aid bags will be used is important to consider.

Having first aid bags in your business is not just a rule, it is a necessity. While having one is mandated by law, it also ensures that if something should happen, whether serious or minor, aid can be given in a timely and affective manner. In many cases a kit like this cannot only be helpful with minor injuries, but it could possibly save a person’s life. A good resource for First Aid bags can be found at

Knowing the basics of first aid allows you to have emergency preparedness in any situation. Something could go wrong at any time, whether you’re at home, out hiking or in a restaurant. That’s why it’s so important you know how to handle yourself and others in case of an emergency.

One of the essentials of emergency preparedness is learning CPR. If you don’t already know it, take classes at a local community college or a YMCA. Classes like this are always being offered because it is a part of first aid that is very crucial to learn. You also might be able to find free CPR lessons offered at different times of the year. Also, you cannot use the same type of CPR on babies as you would adults. So, you will need to learn both types of this life saving technique to truly be schooled in emergency preparedness.

Another thing you’ll want to do for emergency preparedness is to have a first aid kit with you at all times. It’s wise to keep one in your house and in your car. First aid kits can contain sterile gauze, adhesive tape, adhesive bandages in several sizes, elastic bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, sharp scissors and other items. You will also want to have a list of emergency numbers handy at all times as well. Being prepared means that you will have a greater chance at surviving any disaster that befalls you or your family.

There isn’t much you can do to prevent an emergency from occurring but equipping yourself with the necessary first aid items will help you to react in a timely and organized fashion if something does happen. Emergency preparedness is incredibly important because not only will it make you feel more secure, but it could end up saving your life or the life of someone you love.

“Ouch! Honey I cut myself, did you see the band-aids?” Sure thing! The kid just used them yesterday after football practice, but where did he put them? Now we all know the usual routine. Before you can say “First Aid kit” all the inside of the medicine cabinet is already on the floor and the entire bathroom looks like a hurricane victim, just because of a band-aid that is nowhere to be found. Looking after that small bandage pack, aspirin tablet, or antibiotic ointment just when you need them, can lead to a real mess and a late-night trip to the drugstore.

A well maintained First Aid kit can be the solution for this reoccurring scenario, plus it can actually save a life someday. You don’t have to be a paramedic in order to use a First-Aid kit efficiently; you just need to follow a few simple ground rules:

Know Your Needs

There is a First Aid kit for the car. There is a First Aid kit for the house. There is one for personal use and there is another for industrial use. If you have a minor emergency at home – the car kit with its flare and inflator spray probably won’t do the trick. So before you purchase a First Aid kit you should decide how and where you will use it and then buy the kit that fits your needs. Any basic kit should include:

Adhesive Bandages of various sizes

Non Stick Pads

Adhesive Tape

Antiseptic Towelettes

Alcohol Pads

First Aid Cream

Antibiotic Ointment

Cold Pack

Tylenol and Aspirin Tablets

Scissors

Tweezers

First Aid Guide

Know Your Kit

Congratulations! You’ve just purchased the right First Aid kit. But before you put it in the closet, take a minute or two to go through it. See if all the essential items are included and check if anything is missing. Read the manual so you can be ready for any emergency. If your children are old enough, go through the first aid procedures with them as well. Remember that you can also personalize your kit and add your own emergency medication. If you strain your neck often, it will be smart to throw in an anti-inflammatory gel. If you have kids running around and breaking stuff, add another antibiotic cream and their favorite set of Hello Kitty bandages.       

Know Your Kit’s Location

Store your First Aid kit in places that are easily accessible by an adult. By the way, easily accessible doesn’t mean in the garage. The bathroom isn’t recommended due to all the humidity. The kitchen is usually the best place to store a First Aid kit. After you use a kit, remember to put it back immediately in its original place!   

Maintain Your Kit

Check the content of your kit on a regular basis. Add items that have been used and replace items that passed their expiration date. It is also recommended to tape a checklist of items to the lid to help keep track of what is missing. An emergency phone list might also come in handy. Remember that you should keep at least one well maintained kit in your home, an extra kit in your car and remember to take a First Aid kit on family vacations and gatherings.

At Dixie EMS Supply you can find the perfect First Aid kit that suits your personal needs. Our in-house manufacturing capacity allows us to offer you custom made emergency medical supplies products, the lowest prices in the industry, a quick turnaround time and 30 years of excellent reputation. Give our customer service department a call or visit us online at http://www.dixieems.com and let us take care of all of your emergency preparedness requirements.

A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid, particularly in a medical emergency. Most first aid kits contain bandages for controlling bleeding, personal protective equipment such as gloves and a barrier for performing rescue breathing and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and sometimes instructions on how to perform first aid.

Experts strongly urge homeowners to purchase an emergency kit for the treatment of minor household accidents, but these experts may not have visited a department store’s pharmacy area lately.

One element to consider in an emergency kit is versatility. Some kits offered in stores contain little more than various adhesive bandages and a few antiseptic solutions. This may be okay for a travel emergency kit in the glove box or in a backpack, but not enough for a comprehensive home first aid box.

Think of the different types of accidents that could occur in your home and then match the emergency kit to the hypothetical need. Kitchen burns could require burn creams, gauze pads, and tape or freeze packs. Cuts and scrapes require antiseptics and bandages. Body aches and sore muscles could require analgesics or heat-generating creams. Look for an emergency kit that contains the largest variety of healthcare items.

The emergency kit may have to be portable enough for a first responder to take to the victim. Look for first aid kits designed to be carried like luggage if you think you may need to bring it to the accident scene.

If you anticipate the patients will come to the kit, you may want to invest in a wall-mountable metal emergency kit. A suitable place to mount such a kit might be in the bathroom near a sink or a wall in the kitchen out of the line of traffic. If the kit contains medications or other dangerous chemicals, you may want to mount it out of the reach of children. They can have a smaller kit of their own filled with bandages and other harmless items.

Another element to consider is expansion. Can other items be added to the basic emergency kit as the need arises? Some homeowners may need to add glucose tablets for diabetics or blood pressure monitors for those with hypertension. There are even home versions of cardiac defibrillators and CPR breathing masks available. Check to see if the manufacturers of an emergency kit also make additional items or refills. Emergency kits have ingredients which need to be replaced periodically, so make sure you can purchase these items independently.

Overall, a good emergency kit should contain enough medicine and medical supplies to handle everyday household emergencies from burns to cuts to accidental poisonings. It should allow you to make the victim stable enough for medical professionals to take over treatment. Nothing in a home emergency kit can take the place of a trained physician, so all you can do in some cases is stop the bleeding or reduce the pain until help arrives.

While many hunters realize that first aid is important to carry in the field, many neglect the fact that their four-legged hunting companion also may need some medical attention. Dogs are tough and often with their adrenaline pumping can get into bad situations. When running at full speed through trees they can get cut and bruised easily, and a hunter has to be prepared for the different types of injuries their hunting dog can sustain.

A dog’s first aid kit will be a bit different from the human variety; dogs won’t often need emergency aspirin or adhesive bandages. While dogs are tough animals and a lot of the injuries they sustain will be minor enough to not need veterinary attention until the end of the day, there are some essentials a hunter should never be without.

The first thing a hunter needs to have in his canine first aid kit is gauze. Most of the injuries sustained by a dog in the field will be flesh wounds from the dog getting physical with another animal, or running at high speeds through trees and brambles. A hunter needs to not only carry gauze, but know how to use it. Tighter isn’t always better, especially in the case of wounds near the feet. It’s extremely easy for the circulation to be cut off in this area and the dog’s foot can swell, so while it should be secure, don’t wrap too tightly. Before wrapping the wound be sure to rinse it out with clean water; this wrapping will often be okay to last through the end of the day’s hunting trip.

Another essential item to the canine first aid kit is a splint. Because of the adrenaline rush a dog feels when in the middle of a hunt, they often can get into careless situations, such as twisting or breaking a leg in deep holes or by falling from high places. This happens much more often than a hunter might expect and he needs to be prepared in case it does. The dog’s leg will need to be splinted and wrapped with gauze. This injury is serious enough that the hunting trip should be cut short and the dog should be taken to a veterinarian.

There are other smaller items that a hunter should have for his hunting dog, and many animal supply stores carry canine first aid kits with just these types of items, such as tweezers and antiseptic. Be sure that you carry all of your canine medical supplies on every hunting trip in case a medical emergency should arise.

Although, the most frequently used piece of first aid equipment, by far the most readily available, the chances are you’ll never have read the instructions that come with it and its highly unlikely you’ll have been shown how to use it on a first aid course. Yes… the humble adhesive bandage, or more commonly known in the UK as a sticking plaster, or Elastoplast RM or just plain and simple plaster, in Canada and the United States the generic name, Band-Aid™ is most commonly used.

Regardless of the name, most adhesive bandages are used to dress minor wounds that do not require a conventional bandage, their primary functions are to protect the wound from further damage and keep out dirt, and in doing so, aid in the healing of the wound.

Simple adhesive bandages consist of dressing normally, a woven gauze type material, which is fastened to a form of sticky tape in such a way that the dressing can be held in place over the wound, but designed in such a way that the dressing and the sticky tape do not actually stick to the wound.

No one really gives much thought to sticking plasters. It’s something everyone has lying around the home and hopefully in the first aid kit at work. Most people would be surprised to know the sticking plaster has been listed amongst the top ten modern day essential inventions, alongside the battery, ballpoint pen, cats eyes, bar codes, ring pull, post it note, (diy) work mate, micro wave oven and the some what less popular parking meter.

Earle Dickson, an American, who was employed as a cotton buyer with Johnson & Johnson, invented the sticking plaster. In 1920, the recently married Dickson was concerned that his young bride, Josephine would regularly suffer cuts and burns whilst carrying out her domestic tasks. At that time the only options available were a standard bandage with dressing, or to cut a small piece of woven cotton gauze and secure it to a wound with sticky tape. As both of these methods were bulky and clumsy when working, and knowing how difficult it was to apply a bandage or dressing to your own hand or arm, Mr Dickson set about preparing dressings for his wife that she could apply herself when he was out at work.

Dickson made his first adhesive bandages by unrolling a length of adhesive surgical tape, placing a series of small folded pieces of gauze along the centre of the tape and then place a strip of crinoline along its length to prevent the adhesive tape sticking to itself. The tape was then rolled up in such a way Mrs Dickson could unroll and cut off the required strip as and when needed, and then apply the dressing herself with out any further assistance.

As a result of the success at home, Dickson was persuaded to demonstrate the idea to the management of Johnson & Johnson who at the time were a major manufacturer of cotton and gauze bandages supplying hospitals and the military. The ability to self apply the dressing impressed Johnson & Johnson who soon began producing the adhesive bandages which were sold under the now name famous brand name Band-Aid™.

The original handmade Band-Aid™ were not an immediate success and it is recorded that in the first year of production only $3000 worth were sold. The lack of success may well have been due to the originals being in strips 2 ½ inches wide and 18 inches long. A major turn around in sales came following the mass distribution of free samples to Scout groups across the US, this resulted in their widespread use, and by 1924, sterile sticking plaster were being mass produced in various sizes. Earle Dickson later became Vice President of Johnson & Johnson, and at the time of his death in 1961, more than $30,000,000 worth of Band-Aid™ adhesive bandages were being sold every year.

Today there are many manufactures of sticking plaster throughout the world making them readily available for use in every country. They have been developed to meet the changing needs of modern society and now bear little resemblance to the early prototypes made in the Dickson home.

Modern day sticking plasters are mostly manufactured from plastic or latex and coated with adhesive and have an absorbent pad, which in some cases contains antiseptic. State of the art plasters have tiny strands of silver woven into them that is proven to shorten healing times and reduce the risk of scarring.

Decorative plasters using bright colours and images of cartoon and novelty characters have been designed to appeal to children, but this in itself is not a new idea as the first decorative Band-Aid™ were produced as early as 1951.

Plasters specifically designed for food handlers make use of far stronger waterproof adhesives and are made to withstand wear and tear, frequent hand washing and to prevent them falling off. They are produced in bright colours- normally blue- in order they can be easily spotted if they fall into food and are manufactured in such a way as to make them easily detectable by the specialised machines, used in the food processing industry, designed to check food for foreign bodies prior to it reaching the retailer.

More advanced sticking plasters incorporate a pad impregnated with various medications, which is designed to be released in a controlled dose through the skin, the most common being HRT patches and nicotine patches used to help smokers quit.

Having now evolved into an everyday item to which we give little thought, next time you reach for a sticking plaster remember how convenient they are and take a moment to remember how Mrs Dickson managed before her thoughtful husband invented the Band-Aid™.

Sources:

1.Lemelson-MIT Program

2.Johnson & Johnson Band-Aid™

3.Wikipedia

4.UKTV Documentary Top Ten Modern Inventions

 

The author, Jackie Southworth, first qualified as  first aid instructor in the 1980’s whilst serving with the Royal Military Police. The mother of two grownup children now runs her own business delivering health and safety training to businesses, colleges, schools and community groups. Her company SOVRIN Training, is a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) approved first aid training organisation and a Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) training centre. www.sovrintraining.co.uk  

 

 

With vacation time at hand and more activities taking place, a well-stocked first-aid kit, kept within easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Having supplies gathered ahead of time will help you handle an emergency at a moment’s notice. Make sure that you and your family are prepared to treat the most common injuries, and emergencies that will take place over the summer.

This is also the beginning of the storm season. After a quiet start to 2009 Hurricane season, three storms have started in just 30 hours.

You and your family’s safety depend to a large extent on what you do now, before there is a storm on your horizon. Planning and preparation are the two most powerful survival tools at your disposal, and it is simply unwise not to make full use of them. To this end, be sure to have a comprehensive first aid / emergency kit close by.

A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment necessary to provide immediate care to an injured or ill person before treatment by medically trained personnel. The kit will be made up of different contents depending on the place where the kit will be used and the number of persons it needs to protect. Will it just be your family at the cottage, or will there be extra guests?

It is recommended that your first aid kit be assembled in a clean, waterproof container to keep the contents safe and aseptic. Most kits come in durable plastic boxes, fabric pouches or in wall mounted cabinets. The type of container will vary depending on where they will be used and will range in size from pocket sized through to large backpacks. A wall mounted first aid cabinet would be perfect at home or cottage, but a fabric bag would be better suited in your vehicle.

First aid kits available through your local stores are generally intended for treatment of very minor injuries only. Typical contents include adhesive bandages, gauze and a disinfectant. Specialized first aid kits are available for various locations and activities, and will focus on specific risks related to that activity.

For example, first aid kits designed for use in a boat will contain seasickness remedies. Kits designed for industrial applications will contain burn medication and a suitable infection barrier for performing artificial respiration. They will also have larger quantities of supplies to treat multiple victims.

Trauma injuries, such as bleeding from cuts and scrapes, bone fractures or burns, are usually the main focus of most first aid kits designed for the home; however these kits are also practical for use while traveling, at the cottage or during a disaster related evacuation. These kits will include:

Adhesive bandages

Adhesive tape

Sterile Dressings (applied directly to wound)

Sterile eye pads

Sterile gauze pads

Antiseptic wipes or sprays

Sterile non-adherent pads, containing a non-stick Teflon layer

Triple antibiotics

Bandages (non-sterile for securing dressings)

Gauze roller bandages

Elastic bandages (used for sprains)

Triangular bandages (used as slings, tourniquets and to tie splints)

Blood stoppers, to promote clotting for severe bleeding.

Butterfly closure strips (to close wounds)

CPR mouth piece

Splints, to stabilize broken bones

Burn dressing (sterile pad, soaked in a cooling gel)

Gloves (disposable)

Trauma shears, for cutting clothing and general use

Tweezers

Alcohol pads (sterilizing equipment)

Flashlight

Instant-acting chemical cold packs

Alcohol rubs or antiseptic hand wipes (hand sanitizer)

Thermometer

Emergency blanket

First Aid Booklet (Read the entire booklet so you’ll understand how to use the contents of your kit) 

It is an excellent idea to include Aspirin, primarily used for central medical chest pain, as an anti-coagulant and Acetaminophen for pain relief.

Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Ibuprofen can also be used in the case of a strained joint.

Don’t forget extra prescription medications if you are going away for your vacation.

Remember to check the contents of all of your kits regularly and replace the items that have been used before you need them again.

While there is no way to predict when and where an injury or natural disaster may occur, being prepared with the proper first aid and emergency gear will give you and your family a much better chance of getting through the difficult times.

When it comes to protecting you and your cherished family and friends, you recognize the importance of having a high quality and professional unitized plastic first aid kits. Those kits are easy to use and easy to understand. They usually start at a 61-piece unit which will carry everything you need to quickly treat an emergency, and can hold you over for most circumstances until help arrives in many cases.

The case has a handle made for easy carrying, and there is even a wall mount which allows for instance access. The contents are snugly placed in this plastic case which means you are going to have less shifting. Each of the items are individually wrapped to insure cross contamination is minimized, and you will easily be able to replace the contents with the permanently affixed sticker on the inside that has a list of the contents.

What can you expect to find in this 61-piece unitized plastic first aid kit?

Adhesive plastic bandages – When you need bandages you will find this kit has a multitude of bandages individually wrapped for your protection. When it comes time to restock these individually wrapped bandages, you will not have to fight and struggle. Instead, you will even find it easy to reorder. Small adhesive bandages to large adhesive bandages are included to insure you have bandages for every situation.

Non-stick pads – If you do not want to have an adhesive plastic bandage, you may find these nonstick pads extremely useful. In addition to being used as a bandage, these can be used to stop the bleeding. Or place on top of a wound to keep contaminants out until help arrives. These nonstick pads are wonderful and a must for any reputable and reliable unitized plastic first aid kit.

Triple antibiotic ointment – There is nothing as recognizable as being beneficial to the healing process as triple antibiotic ointment. These just happen to be individually wrapped for your convenience. Simply massage the individually wrapped package of triple antibiotic ointment and apply to a clean wound to promote healing. These are easy to replace, and since they are individually wrapped, will have a longer life expectancy.

Alcohol cleansing pads – When it comes to cleaning a minor wound, there is nothing quite like the cleaning power of isopropyl alcohol. These alcohol cleansing pads will offer you the ability to properly cleanse any minor wound in preparation for doctoring.

Instant cold compress – While these have not always been a necessity in unitized plastic first aid kits, these are today an important part of the whole case. These are ready in an instant to be used as an instant cold compress to slow down swelling and offer relief.

Scissors – No matter what kind of unitized plastic first aid kits you have, you will find that scissors offer many benefits. You can snip bandages to the proper size, snip open individually packed items, or even snip clothing that can be in the way. You may find it necessary to run an alcohol pad over the blades when finished to insure they are not contaminated.

You simply get more when you use unitized plastic first aid kits.

When it comes to our safety and the safety of those we hold dear, we often find no cost is too great. No one wants an accident to happen, but when an accident does happen. We would be foolish not to be prepared. When we prepare for the inevitable, we are going to save lives. That is why many people purchase personal first aid kit pouches. Because when it comes to being prepared, we understand that something so small and well thought out can indeed save the life of someone we care for or about.

There are a multitude of personal first aid kit pouches on the market today. These are handy to have around, and they are affordable. In fact, those personal first aid kit pouches generally are cheaply priced making them perfect for having on hand no matter where we go. Of course, some of those personal first aid kit pouches will be of differing size which means some of them will offer more protection, but generally speaking, you will discover that these are going to all have the basic necessities.

What will you be getting as a minimum when you choose to purchase personal first aid kit pouches?

Instant Ice Pack – These are great for keeping the swelling down due to a sting, bite, or sprain. The majority of these kits will have at least one instant ice pack.

Pain Reliever – When you need something to stop the pain or ache, sometimes pain relievers are used. These are generally orally taken and will take a while to kick in, but if you need it, these are great additions to any personal first aid kit pouch.

Adhesive Strip – These are perfect for covering scraps, burns, or other injuries. In fact, most kits will have a couple of different sizes at least. The adhesive bandages are great to keep wounds or scrapes clean or to even stop the bleeding.

Burn Cream – No matter what you enjoy doing outside, there is always the chance of getting burned either by the sun or by other substances. Burn cream will allow you to relieve the pain and promote healthy healing.

Sting Relief Swab – When you get a bee sting or any type of sting, these strong relief swabs will offer relief and slow down the swelling. Usually, these are snapped in the middle which will release the medicine into a swab where you directly apply the medicine for relief.

Iodine Swab – This is a great way to sterilize a wound or burn. These are popular to promote healing. This acts as a barrier between the body and outside contaminants that may cause infection or worse.

Antiseptic Swab – These are in personal first aid kit pouches because they can be used on the spot to cleanse wounds, burns, or other such injuries. These should not be used on deep wounds, but for minor injuries, these are going to sting the wound clean.

Personal first aid kit pouches are great because you can even add your own items into this nifty kit. Add pain relievers as you use the ones in the kit, add a few more adhesive bandages, or more.