First Aid Kits and Supplies

From your study of first aid you have learned how to improvise a number of bandages, dressings and splits. It is, of course, more satisfactory to have sterile dressings, prepared splints, and other first aid equipment ready for use before an accident occurs.

There are two general types of first aid kits: (1) the unit type and (2) the cabinet type.

A. Unit-type kits

Unit-type kits have a complete assortment of first aid materials put up in standard packages of unit size or multiples of the unit size and arranged in cases containing 16, 24, or 32 units, with the 16- and 24-unit kits being the most popular. Each unit package contains one or more individual dressings. Each dressing is complete in itself and is sealed in a sterile wrapper. It contains just enough material to treat a single injury, thus eliminating waste. All liquids are put up in individual, sealed ampules, and consequently cannot deteriorate. There are no bottles to spill or break.

Illustrations and instructions for the use of the contents are on the front of each package. The desired unit packages are easy to locate, because the contents are clearly indicated on the top side in blood type. The unit packages fit like blocks in the case; they cannot shift or become disarranged. These types of kits are probably the most satisfactory for carrying in a car or truck or in a pack.

Standard refills are supplied by various manufactures and can be changed easily to meet the needs of the purchaser. Unit refills are easy to obtain. The original cost may be slightly higher, but when material s are subject to much handling by many different persons, this type is generally cheaper and more satisfactory in the long run. There is no contamination or waste of unused materials. The kits can be obtained with contents selected to meet the particular needs of the purchaser.

1. Contents of 16-unit first aid kit
   • 2 units—1” adhesive compress
   • 2 units—2” bandage compress
   • 1 unit—3” bandage compress
   • 1 unit—4” bandage compress
   • 1 unit—3” x 3” plain gauze pads
   • 1 unit—gauze roller bandage
   • 2 units—plain absorbent gauze—1/2 sq. yd.
   • 2 units—plain absorbed gauze—24” x 72”
   • 3 units—triangular bandages—40”
   • 1 unit—tourniquet, scissors, tweezers
2. Contents of 24-unit first aid kit
   • 2 units—1” adhesive compress
   • 2 units—2” bandage compress
   • 2 units—3”bandage compress
   • 2 units—4” bandage compress
   • 1 unit—3” x 3” plain gauze pads
   • 2 units—gauze roller bandage
   • 1 unit—eye dressing packet
   • 4 units—plain absorbent gauze—1/2 sq. yd.
   • 3 units—plain absorbent gauze—24” x 72”
   • 4 units—triangular bandages—40”
   • 1 unit—tourniquet, scissors, tweezers

B. Cabinet-type Kits

Cabinet kits are made for a wide variety of uses and range in size from pocket versions to large industrial kits. They are made to accept packages in different shapes and sizes. Contents may be varied by the purchaser to suit his particular first aid needs. The extra space in most cabinet kits also allows additional items to be inserted according to user’s needs.

Cabinet kits contain a large enough supply of most first aid items to be used for more than a single treatment. However, all sterile materials are individually wrapped.

Cabinet kits carry familiar first aid items that are easily recognized in an emergency. Although the different-size packages allow for some shifting of products in transported kits, they have the advantage of a functional package design that does not waste unnecessary space.

Refills are obtainable from most drugstores or through safety equipment distributors.

C. Other kits

Kits can be either purchased or can be assembled from improvised materials. All kits, whether purchased or improvised, are satisfactory if the following points are observed in their selections:

1. The kits should be large enough and should have the proper contents for the place where it is to be used.
2. The contents should be arranged so that the desired package can be found quickly without unpacking the entire contents.
3. Material should be wrapped so that unused portions do not become dirty through handling.

Types and sizes of kits to meet specific needs should be selected and supplied with items recommended by your consulting physician.

Related posts: