With the weather getting nicer, more people will be outside for activities. Whether you’re doing yard work or if you’re participating in outdoor recreation, it is essential to know the basics of first aid for unexpected injuries or illnesses. First aid is the first line of treatment to an injury or illness prior to seeking medical assistance. Depending on the circumstance, first aid can mean the difference between life and death. Having a first aid kit is the first step; however, you need to know how to address different situations with the materials contained in your first aid kit.
The contents in a home first aid kit may vary from simply bandages to specific materials treating more serious, specialized situations. When you purchase your first aid kit, make sure to examine the contents to know what materials you have in case of an emergency. Also, make it known to all the members in your family where the first aid kit will be stored in case you’re not available during a situation that calls for the first aid kit.
Basic concepts of first aid, like how to apply a bandage and to apply pressure to a bleeding wound, are generally learned passively throughout life; however, to gain knowledge about life-saving first aid procedures, like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid training is necessary. In many countries, first aid training is available through community organizations, including the Red Cross, or commercial providers. Specifically in the United States, the American Red Cross offers courses, including:
• CPR – for Infant, Child and Adult
• CPR/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) – for Child and Adult
• First Aid
◦ Basics
◦ Standard
◦ Responding to Emergencies
◦ Wilderness and Remote First Aid
◦ Emergency Medical Response
• Specialty
◦ Administering Emergency Oxygen
◦ Blood borne Pathogens Training
◦ Lifeguarding
◦ Epinephrine Auto-Injector Use
◦ First Responder in the Workplace Training (CPR/AED/First Aid)
◦ Dog, Cat, and Dog/Cat First Aid
◦ Babysitter’s Training
◦ Instructor Certification
There a numerous reasons to need first aid attention; however several common first aid topics include: animal bites/stings, broken toe, burns, choking, cuts and wounds, food poisoning, heat exhaustion, nosebleeds, pulled muscle, sprains, sunburn and vertigo. Many think they know how to treat some of these ailments; however, unless properly trained their help may actually hinder the patient. For example, many people believe that injuries should be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to disinfect. This is false. According to WebMD, “using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean an injury can actually harm the tissue and delay healing.” They say the best way to clean a minor wound is with cool running water and mild soap.
So whether you’re going on an outdoor adventure or just doing housework, prepare yourself and your family for anything by learning about first aid. Either take a class or read up on first aid procedures; but first get a first aid kit appropriate for your home. If you need more information on first aid kits or are looking to purchase a first aid kit, Fieldtex Products Inc. has a wide variety of medical supplies and first aid kits to help accommodate your needs this spring and all year long. Find your new kit here: http://www.e-firstaidsupplies.com.
References:
http://firstaid.webmd.com/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-dress-a-wound-1298558
http://www.e-firstaidsupplies.com/home-first-aid-kits.html
