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There are several places where first aid kits can be purchased and very good ones at medical supply retailers, large pharmacy chains as well as various camping and outdoor supply stores. On the other hand, you can put together a very good kit on your own. In fact, depending upon your individual needs it may serve you far better than a store bought kit. You can store more preferential items and you are not limited to any pre-configured space. Most of the standard contents can be found easily at pharmacies and similiar retailers. In addition, you can build your kit as large or as small as you like. The hardest part to setting one up yourself is choosing a container. So here are some suggestions.
Container Suggestions:
Tackle-boxes serve as excellent kits. In fact, kits used by e.m.t.s and paramedics are modeled after this design but at a hefty cost of over $100.00. Tackle-boxes can be found for a fraction of that cost. Backpacks and traditional fanny packs are also good containers especially for travel oriented versions. Plus there are various smaller hard case designs sold for toiletries. Which ever type you choose it should be large enough to hold the items you anticipate getting. Ultimately it is just a matter of preference.
Home/Office Kit:
This is usually the largest kit where it serves a number of people. The following items are recommended basics but not limited to these. You may find some items unnecessary and there is nothing wrong with omitting them to make room for something else.
Assorted bandaids
Non-sterile or sterile rolled gauze
Assorted sterile dressing pads
Bandage tape
Scissors
Cold pack
Sterile water
Tweezers
Bite/sting relief
Emergency blanket
Disposable latex gloves
CPR mask
Syrup of ipecac
Activated charcoal
Triangular bandages
Small zip lock bags
Pen/pencil and paper
Car Kit:
Assorted bandaids
Sterile or non-sterile rolled gauze
Assorted sterile dressings
Bandage tape
Scissors
Tweezers
Instant cold pack
Emergency blanket (space blanket)
Sterile water
Triangular bandages
Bite/sting relief
Disposable latex gloves
Disposable CPR mask
Flashlight/batteries
Flares
Travel/Outdoor Kit:
Due to the limited space normally available, choose your contents wisely. If you require medications etc.,make space accordingly. Otherwise content suggestions are as follows.
Assorted bandaids
Rolled gauze
Assorted steril dressings
Steril water
Bite/sting relief
Instant cold pack
Compact emergency blanket
Disposable latex gloves
Disposable CPR mask
*Special note regarding venomous snakebites.*
If you have not been through a recent first aid course, guidelines have changed regarding the management of a poisonous snake bite. There are kits currently available on the market consisting of equipment used for lancing and suctioning the area of the bite. Although many people still have them, they are no longer necessary. Studies have shown that these methods have very little effect in comparison to treatment via an urgent care facility. Researchers say that the only remarkable care for venomous bites are anti-venom injections.
Where to Find Supplies:
This requires a little legwork or a few keystrokes if you prefer. The internet is the best resource by running a keyword search for first aid supplies. Consequently, the gathering of items is far easier this way. But, if you like to touch and feel before buying then you can always start with pharmacies. They always carry a descent supply of the basics, including sterile water in assorted sizes. This is normally located in the 'baby aisle' alongside infant fluid supplements. Syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal can be obtained there as well. However, the activated charcoal is usually retrieved by the pharmacist-it is non-prescription though. There is always the phone directory for locating medical supply retailers as the items sold at pharmacies may be found less expensive there. Also, there are large department stores and price club warehouses that will have periodic 'deals' on supplies. So, there are plenty of ways to shop and compare.
The compact emergency blankets (a.k.a. space blanket) and the CPR facemask are harder to locate. Often times the space blankets can be found at camping/outdoor retailers or by again, searching the internet. The CPR facemasks are sold through facilities that teach CPR and certain medical suppliers and they will be far less expensive through the latter.
Items Key:
Assorted dressings, bandages, tape, and scissors are used to manage wounds.
Sterile water is used to cleanse or flush wounds.
Tweezers are used to extract small embedded objects such as splinters and stingers.
Cold packs can also be used in controlling bleeding and swelling, as cold constricts blood vessels.
Emergency blanket is to cover the victim in caring for shock.
Syrup of ipecac induces vomiting in case of accidental ingestion of non-caustic poisons/toxins.
Activated charcoal is an antidote used to neutralize caustic poisons/toxins prior to vomiting.
Disposable gloves and CPR masks are forms of universal precautions to guard against exposure to infectious diseases.
Small zip lock bags are for the collection of fluids that may help in diagnosing a victims condition.
Pen/pencil and paper may be used to note times, dates, and specific events for diagnostic purposes during emergency room treatment.
From here it is only a matter of putting everything together in a way that works for you. Anything that has not been opened will have a long shelf life. It is recommended that any medicines (cough, sinus/allergy etc.) or ointments be discarded after six months; once opened these substances lose their potency. Instant cold packs can require periodic replacement if you live in regions of variable weather. The liquid within them will freeze prematurely in cold weather.
*There were no suggested recommendations for the inclusion of first aid creams, ointments,medicines, or antiseptics. Reason being, these items are not recommended for use on 'strangers' as it is possible that there may be an adverse reaction to these applications. Although adverse reactions to such applications are unlikely, it would only take once. A rescuer could possibly be held liable for rendering this care under state statutes of practicing medicine without a license and/or administering medication without physician's orders. Use your discretion and common sense.
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