First Aid Kit Basics

How many times have you heard the media pundits tell you that in order to be prepared you should have a "first aid kit" with your emergency supplies.

We are going to help you define what some agencies and the media have been generally reluctant to do. You can make adaptations as you see fit and as your skill level dictates...but first some thoughts on that ...

Practical Considerations:
Everyday kits come in many sizes - for biking, ATV, car, boating, camping, job etc..
The gear in the kit may be used by others that may be more skilled to use them than you are.
Many kits found in stores are inadequate for more than a simple emergency.
You might be called upon to use this kit many times during a disaster.
Constructing your own first aid kit (DIY) is a part of the training.
In an extended emergency (30 Days+) medical assistance may not be readily available.
Good kits will cost some money. We suggest that if you can - build your own. You may consider more extended disaster gear to have on hand to supplement your first aid kit for a long haul.

Having as much first aid training and reference materials on hand are important for long term emergencies or when you are sheltering in place. Certification is required for the everyday use of some of these materials....if your life is in danger you should not be concerned about that.

Learn how to do things in an emergency - if you get help, great - if not, saving your own life or that of a family member is what matters.


Suggested Home First Aid Kit 2-4 Person

First Responder Kit Bag or Fishing Tackle Bag or Specialty Bag/Tool Bag or Large Day Pack
Spray Saline or Wound Wash Bottle or Sterile Saline Liter Bottles (2) **
EpiPen - Prescription Required (2)
Personal Prescriptions Marked in Sealed Bag - Current Med List Completed
Foam Sam Splints "Pocket Cast" - Hand/Wrist Version (9")
Hemostatic Dressing/Bandage Combination - Quick Clot- Celox (4) **
Vinyl gloves that fit you (12 pair)
Vaseline Impregnated Gauze Pads (4) or Asherman Chest Seal &
Sterile Aluminum Foil Roll (1)
Providone Iodine Wipes/Swabs/Gauze (12)
Sterile Dressings 4x4's (12)
Sterile Dressings (aka Gauze Pads) 2x2's (12)
Multi-Trauma Dressings Large 12x30" (2)
Roll Gauze - 2" x 4yds Kling/Kerlix or similar Conforming Bandage (12)
Roll Gauze - 4" x 4yds Kling/Kerlix or similar Conforming Bandage (12)
Combination "SurgiPad" Trauma Dressings 8x7.5" (6) or Thick Feminine Hygiene Pads **
Assortment of "Band Aid" type adhesive bandages **
Large 8x8 Sterile Burn Gel Dressings (4) **
Instant Cold Packs (4)
Surgical Suture Kit (Military) with extra sutures (1) **
CPR Rescue Breathing Device (1) or Face Shields (2)
Roll Bandage Tape 1" (3)
Bandage Scissors - Large Medic Style (1)
Penlight (1)
Flashlight - Or Headlamp LED Lithium Powered (1)
Spare Set of Lithium Batteries for lights (1)
Chemical Lights - Bright White 30 Minute (4) **
Emergency Mylar Rescue Blanket (2) **
Triangle Bandages with Clips/Safety Pins 40x40" (6)
Air Resuscitator Bag - Disposable - Adult (1) (Training Required)
Esophageal Airways - Child & Adult (Restricted Items)
Activated Charcoal Suspension - Poison Absorbent 120ml (1)

Aspirin or Quick Release Crystals Single Dispenser Pouches (10)
Blood Pressure Cuff and Stethoscope (Learn how to use it)
Waterproof Note Pad - Write anywhere Pen with Clip attached to bag
Medical Skin Marker - Black (1)
Ammonia Inhalants Package (1)
A & D Ointment or Vaseline Tube (1)
Bulb Syringe (1)
Eye Wash Solution (1)
Tweezers (1)
Large Disinfectant Hand Wipes (24)
Bio-Hazard Bags - Gallon ( 4)
Star of Life Symbol Designating Kit as a First Aid Kit
Dental Emergency Kit - Complete Sealed (or make your own)
Ziplock Freezer Bags (for avulsions - amputations)
Antihistamine Spray (1)
Triple Antibiotic Ointment Tube (1)
Antifungal Ointment (1) Double for Warm Humid Climates
Emergency "911" Phone - Charged & Programmed with Emergency Numbers Only
Safety eyeglasses with reading lenses or MedShields Disposable Eye Protection

Moleskin Patches for Foot Blisters (1)

Super Glue Tubes - Small (Cyanoacrylate) (4)

Hibiclens Skin Cleanser (8oz) (1)

Butterfly Bandages (12)

Antimicrobial Topical Gel - Handwash 6-8 oz (1)

Silver Sulfadiazine Cream SSD (Silvadine) 50 Gram tube (1)

Zinc Oxide Tube 2oz USP - Skin Protectant

Glucose Tablets - Roll of 10

Spray Bandage (1)

Oral Electrolyte Packs (2-3)

Duct Tape - Small Roll (1)

Tincture of Benzoin - Hardens Skin - Prevents Blisters
Medical Emergency Contact Forms and Current Medications List from http://www.ice4safety.com/

Inspection Tips: Note the Expiration Dates on Contents using Sharpie Marker Pen
Include a First Aid Kit Contents List and Note Expirable Items Clearly!

Learn how to do these things yourself NOW http://tinyurl.com/36qs2c

Online reference sources: http://www.buyemp.com/

Make sure to have a name tag with your contact info attached and mark all the gear inside you can because someone may permanently "borrow" your kit.

** Or as many as you can afford for other kits or replacements for when used.

First Aid - Hemostatic Agents - Updates

Watch this short video on the different types of Hemostatic Bandages and Products that should be a part of your first aid kit.

http://paramedictv.ems1.com/media/1144-Insights-on-Innovation-Advances-in-Hemostatic-Agents/

Storm Preparedness Tip - Chainsaws

Winter is here and so are the snow and ice storms that often follow. If you have TREES or live near TREES then you, or at least someone in your neighborhood should have a fully functioning chainsaw and the required safety gear that goes along with it.

We have many years of practical experience with these tools and they have not only proven extremely useful in an emergency like a storm - but can be considered one of the most dangerous in the wrong hands.

Chainsaws will not simply cut your tissue but tear and rip you apart. Having proper safety gear will save your life. If you already have a chainsaw or were contemplating the purchase of one, then think about the following:

• 
  
  Will you ever use it for something other than an emergency? If not, then you may consider teaming up with a neighbor that has one and is willing to show you how to use and maintain it. Of course, they may not have any idea about using a chainsaw safely either. In that case it is time to see a dealer that specializes in chainsaws and outdoor equipment and check out the links below for some relevant safety instruction.


• 
  
  If you are willing to spend the money then Jonsered, Stihl or Husquevarna are the way to go. The reasons are simple -they are designed and made well and there is a network of dealers where you can get parts and service if you need it - and these saws can cut....especially the Jonsered. Also, the Jonsered has an air filter system that just does not clog no matter what. Stihl has a large selection of chains and the Huskeys can be found at Lowes and Tractor/Farm Supply Stores.


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  Mini Trimming Saws are cheaper and are meant for just that - trimming. Best overall handling is a saw with an 18 inch bar. Even if you are skilled - use the anti-kickback chains on your emergency saw because you may not be the only one using it - you might be injured or sick or out of town and your kid or neighbor somehow ends up with it. So have it outfitted and ready to go with an antikickback chain - usually supplied at time of purchase.


• 
  
  Organize Your Tools - there is nothing worse than not having everything needed at your disposal when you need it most - or not being able to find it because they are spread all over your estate. Have either the canvas bag (also great for car kits) or the ammo can (which is waterproof) to maintain you assortment of maintenance gear. You see spare oil mix, touch up sharpening equipment, wedges, gloves, extra safety glasses- for the people helping you out, spark plugs, wrenches specific to your saw, spare chains, a product manual(not pictured) and a supply of chain oil (also not pictured).

• Label everything you think will help others find the item for you - or if you can't see well up close then do it for that reason.


• 
  
  Steel toe or safety shoes (kevlar) with kevlar chaps and sleeves would be the ultimate safety gear to have on and you should get it. Most people will wear Carhart Pants or similar work clothing with maybe a pair of knee pads but be aware that a chain will tear through this and do great damage - to you.


• 
  
  Gas cans with mix ratio/your name/ICE sticker/full of mixed fuel and a source of additional fuel if you find you are really in a jamb. A good idea - get the combination gas/oil can made by Wedco ($17) or Scepter ($26) and eliminate carrying extra stuff (KISS).


• 
  
  Safety Helmet and Glasses - Required! Hearing Protection - Required! ICE Sticker and Card inside Helmet Pouch - Filled Out in Advance - REAL SMART.

• ALWAYS have a FIRST AID KIT available near your worksite - not a block away in your house or vehicle - that is a very poor idea. Make sure you have a hemostatic clotting agent in your kit (more on those later). Never use a chainsaw when tired or you become tired from sawing - accidents will happen. Safety Rule of thumb - one tank of gas...rest or quit.

Some tips for the emergency - locate the gear where it can be found and where others know it is located so THEY can find it. Make sure the tools are fueled and oiled

Make sure your name is on your gear because it has a habit of disappearing in the chaos...make your gear noticeable like using a colored strip of tape as shown in the picture. This will help you find the chain guard amongst the brush as well.

If you are visually impaired and need glasses then by all means get a pair of safety glasses with the bifocal readers if that is what you need ($10 f/Elvex). Have an extra set for a helper.

Try not to mix up gear from other tools in your gear box/bag or you run the risk of someone else screwing up your $350 saw. If you are spared, then maybe you will be helping out neighbors so make sure you clearly spell out the safety rules before you start the saw - being helpful should not mean getting hurt!.

Let's recap - get you gear sharpened and ready, have it located where you and others can find it easily, make sure you know how to use it - read the manual take a course at your local cooperative extension, follow the links below, put your name and identifying marks on it, have your first aid kit ready and use your ICE4SAFETY Stickers to identify the gear as emergency equipment.

Some Important Links To Review on Chainsaw Safety Here:

About.Com: Forestry

North Dakota State University

CDC - Safety With Chainsaws

University of Florida IFAS Extension - see PowerPoint and Video (Graphic)

Florida AgSafe

Preparedness Tip - First Aid Kits 1

This topic can get lengthy so we will attempt to start with the overall mental picture first and drill down to where you can decide how much effort you want to put into making sure you have the proper tools for the most likely events or as best you can for those worst case scenarios.

You will need some form of first aid/surgical/trauma type kit in your on/off road vehicle, home, camp, watercraft, hiking/camping pack, plane, workplace (many workplaces are required by law to have an "approved" first aid kit) and as a permanent component of your "bug out" gear bag.

Determining what type of kit and how it is contained are important depending on contents, size, location and environment. This kit may be used by trained people to help YOU so consider that when designing your kit.

Having a well supplied home kit that is portable when you are forced to leave can be a life saver....having to access it for a band aid can be a pain....so have a few around handy with some triple antibiotic ointment and wound cleaning pads. Most of your basic supplies can be found in a good drug store but you will need to get more advanced items online or in surgical supply/specialty stores if you have any near you.
Items like hemostatic agents, splints, saline, field surgical kits etc., can be found at Emergency Medical Products (www.buyemp.com) / Masune First Aid (www.masune.com) / Nitro-Pak or Brigade Quartermaster to name a few.

Most backpacking stores will carry Wilderness First Aid Kits which can be a good start ($30) and expeditious. Remember you have to carry it with you and do have a 3 day spare supply of prescription meds on hikes and camping excursions if you can't live without them!

Economizing by having only one kit for home and on the go is a poor idea as you may fail to have it where you need it - unless you do not leave home/drive/go outdoors etc. Settle on a bag/box that works for your needs and determine how many you can afford....nice thing is that you can start with one and expand from there.

If you participate in sporting events and your club has the typical undernourished "liability correct" first aid kit bolted or taped to a wall - you can and should have your own on hand nearby.

There have been some significant advances in emergency medical equipment and over-the- counter remedies as well. Many doctors are now more apt to prescribe an extra regimen of your regular medicines to have on hand for your emergency bug out kit as well. Have a list and ask now, because getting to the drug store that just blew away in the twister is not the best plan.

Some quick tips....

• the person using the kit may not be you - you may be the injured person
• you need to know and be familiar with the contents of any kit and how/when to use them
• first aid/CPR-AED/advanced training is highly recommended
• have more than one kit - minimum one for home and one for on/off road vehicle.
• contents checklists are useful to avoid being stuck without critical components
• use or paint kits in orange or bright blue and mark them with Star of Life symbols and marked clearly as "First Aid Kit"
• some military ammo cans or plastic sporting boxes (orange) are great but may be hard to open one handed if injured or you lack the strength
• bags specifically designed as first aid kit bags are available but suitable other soft containers can be acquired for less cost from marine and sports stores

To be continued...