Make a First Aid kit

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Since Markus just received his level 2 first aid certificate, they gave him a super deal on a very nice and well stocked SJA first aid kit. Between this and the bits I’ve put together already (and especially with his training), I’m feeling much better prepared.

I’m also hoping to find the time to go through the course textbooks. Knowledge of what to do is just as important as having the supplies, and I haven’t brushed up on anything but very basic first aid for years.

...is so important, so I bought a 326 piece First Aid Center Kit, which exceeds OSHA Guidelines. Only about $35!

Anyway, I then added some extra bandages, anti-inflammatories, etc. as well.

Definitely exceeds what is typically required!

Simply visit www.firstaidkitdepot.com and select the right size kit.

They have a wide variety of easy-to-find, affordable first aid kits, first aid supplies, burn treatment and sports first aid kits to fit any need, personal or professional.

WILDERNESS AND SEA SURVIVAL – KITS AND TIPS

http://www.outdoorclub.org/Firstaid.html

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/chp3.php
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/sea-1.php
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/sea-2.php
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/chp1.php

http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/winter/gear/survival_kits/recommendations.htm
http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/winter/gear/survival_kits/pocket_survival.htm

FIRST AID KITS (home, car, to carry around on everywhere you go)

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Safety pins
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Latex or vinyl gloves (2 pairs)
• Sunscreen
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Triangular bandages (3)
• Non-prescription drugs (see below)
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue depressors (2)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• First Aid manual
• Nonprescription drugs: aspirin or other pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, and laxative

Source: Canadian Red Cross

BASIC EMERGENCY CAR KIT

The following are items you gather together inside a small box, toolkit or lock box and store in your trunk or under a seat:

• First aid kit and manual
• Duct tape. You’d be surprised how many times a single roll of
  duct tape will save you. Duct tape can temporarily fix a broken windshield wiper, hold glass together, pick up glass shards, serve as a temporary gas cover, mend a broken hose and has a thousand other uses
• Brightly colored cloth or “emergency” sign which you can tie or place somewhere on your car to signal for help
• CB, cellular phone or battery powered radio (and extra batteries) to call for help. Many phones are now on the market, including special 911 units and prepaid cellular phones
• Tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and socket wrenches
• Booster cables to jump a dead or faulty battery
• Extra fuses
• Blankets
• Emergency light or flashlight and extra batteries
• Bottled water for consumption or cars that may overheat or lose battery water
• Non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter
• Fire extinguisher (5 lb., a-b-c type)
• Maps
• Flares, emergency candles.
• Shovel
• Tire repair kit and pump

WINTER CAR CARE KIT

Those living in areas where severe weather can bring temperatures quickly below the freezing point should always carry items that will keep them warm and dry in the event of an emergency. Other winter emergency items should include:

• First Aid Kit
• Weather Radio
• Bottled water
• Blankets
• Extra gloves or mittens
• Shovel
• Scarf
• If disaster does strike while you’re out in the winter, use common sense. Wind chills can freeze body parts in just a few minutes. Keep all areas of the skin covered if you must venture outside your car. (Though law enforcement experts recommend you stay INSIDE your car during winter storms and wait for help to arrive.)

TIPS

• BEFORE venturing out during the winter, tune into your local radio or television station for an updated weather forecast. Know what storm warnings mean!
• Winter storm watch: Winter storms are possible in your area.
• Winter storm warning: Storms are heading to your area
• Blizzard warning: Strong winds and dangerous wind chills are expected.
• A BAG of kitty litter or sand in the trunk of a light car or truck bed will help weigh the car down and prevent swaying.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFO AND THINGS TO KNOW

How to pack a First Aid Kit for your car http://www.ehow.com/how_585_pack-first-aid.html

How to buy a First Aid Kit as a gift http://www.ehow.com/how_10796_buy-first-aid.html

How to pack a First Aid Kit for pets http://www.ehow.com/how_2435_pack-first-aid.html

How to change a flat tire: http://www.ehow.com/how_1863_change-flat-tire.html

I finally went out & bought a first aid kit
I’m happy to have finally done that – to have materlials onhand inn case of need.. a couple of more bottles of water & I’ll be a little closer to 72 hours worth of supplies (recommended in case of a ‘disaster’ for all of us)

which i am posting here for a reminder of what to purchase:

first-aid manual
sterile gauze
adhesive tape
adhesive bandages in several sizes
elastic bandage
antiseptic wipes
soap
antibiotic cream (triple-antibiotic ointment)
antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
hydrocortisone cream (1%)
acetaminophen and ibuprofen
tweezers
sharp scissors
safety pins
disposable instant cold packs
calamine lotion
alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
thermometer
plastic gloves (at least 2 pairs)
flashlight and extra batteries
mouthpiece for administering CPR
your list of emergency phone numbers, include poison control
blanket (stored nearby)

I want to make first aid kits for at home, for the car (first aid and emergency kit), for when I travel (like to other countries or other cities.) and be ready for anything.

Having a family, I’d have a first aid kit with me at all times (like going shopping, going biking with my kids, going to the park, or going wherever). You never know what can happen.

I learned to make bandages in Girl Scouts and EMT classes. It’s actually great fun, and a good activity for family night. you can stock your first aid kit with a few homemade bandages made from material scraps or discarded clothing that is still strong and in good repair, and, of course, you can buy bandages as well. Here are a few tips.

Triangular Bandages (Cravats)

Cravats are large triangular pieces of cloth that are used to secure bandages in place, to make a sling, or to tie splints in place. They should be large enough to make a suitable arm sling. You can make cravats from muslin or any clean scraps of material. Roll a cravat up along it’s longer side to use as a tie-down for splints. Tie two cravats together to make it long enough to secure a sling to the body. Pad between all knots and the body with bandages, folded rags, or folded cravats. A standard size for Triangular Bandages is 37” x 37” x 52”.

Bandages

Bandages are whatever materials cover dressings. Bandages should be clean and as germ-free as possible; but don’t necessarily have to be sterile in most cases. Ideally, bandages will be items like gauze pads or strips and some sort of tape. In emergency situations, however, clean rags fresh from the laundry, clean grocery sacks, or unused newspapers may double as bandage material. Always use the cleanest items possible with the cleanest side next to the dressing.

Dressings

Dressings are the material that is placed next to the skin to cover wounds and hold medicine in place. Ideally, dressing material should be kept sterile and handled with sterile technique. In emergency situations, it may be necessary to settle for clean in place of sterile in order to stop bleeding or deal with a crisis when appropriate supplies are unavailable or time is of the essence.