Advantages
At first when I took first aid training from a local hospital, I had no idea how much helpful is this training in providing help to others. It gives you a sense of self-satisfaction when you help someone in acute emergency. But at the time of training, I didn’t realize about the importance and advantages of first aid box but after some time when I got a first aid box to keep at my home and equipped the same with all necessary items, I have a piece of mind to cope any type of emergency in my home or even if it happens with anyone in neighbor hood.
If you are a person who also likes to help others, even if not others, just to provide treatment to your loved ones, you must maintain a first aid box at your home. But before you maintain a first aid box at your home, consider taking part in a first aid training course because it will train you in using various surgical instruments and medical devices properly. Usually, after you get first aid training from any hospital or organization such as Red Cross, your trainer also provides you a check-list for your first aid box. The check-list usually includes following items:
* Antiseptic Wash
* Gauze squares & Gauze rolls
* Cotton balls & Cotton swabs
* Neospirin or other triple antibiotic ointment or cream
* Medical tape, hot/cold pack, small scissors
* Bee sting kit, thermometer
* Selection of bandages
There are many other extra items which you may keep in your first aid box such as sterile water, self-adhesive tape, nail clippers, trauma shears, surgical suture, surgical suture needle, vicryl mesh, Ethicon sutures, steroid cream and sunburn treatment (aloe products) etc. Some of these items need more specific training to use them properly such trauma shears are used to cut leather jackets, seat belts and denim etc. Like wise to use surgical instruments such as surgical suture and surgical suture needle, you also need specific training to take care of large wounds or cuts. You can also make two first aid kits, one for your home and other for your. Take a small kit with you when you travel or you can name your travel kit as a mini kit. To get all these necessary items for your first aid box, you can search over the internet to find many reliable resources where you may get discounts if you order for all medical supplies at one place.
The contents and equipment of the first-aid kits are not otherwise specified. Therefore, the following items are to be included in each first-aid kit and be available at every pool or spa:
1. 1 – First Aid Book
2. 1 – Box Plastic Adhesive Bandages – 1″ x 3″ 16/Box
3. 1 – Tweezers
4. 1 – Scissors
5. 1 – Spool Tape – 1/2″ x 5 yards
6. 2 – Compress Bandage – 3″ x 3″
7. 1 – Triangular Bandage – 40″
8. 1 – Small Ice Pack
9. 1 – Box Fingertip Bandage – 10/Box
10. 1 – Box Cloth Knuckle Bandage
11. 1 – Eye Dressing
12. 1 – Box Telfa Pads – 1 1/2″ x 2″ 12/Box
13. 1 – Roller Gauze
14. 3 – Packages Clean Wipes
15. 1 – Compact CPR Shield
16. 1 – Latex Gloves, Pair
17. 2 – Emergency Blankets
Moral
As well as the moral duty of employers to protect employees and members of the public,General Health and Safety Legislation covers all employers and workplaces. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 These regulations place an obligation on employers to assess risks and where necessary, take action to eliminate or control the risks. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981
These regulations state that, in order to provide First Aid to their employees who become injured or ill at work, employers must have adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel. Regulations apply to all workplaces, including those with less than five employees. Self-employed workers need to ensure they have adequate facilities to provide First Aid to themselves. If the self-employed person works with others on mixed premises, then joint arrangements should be made with other occupiers. It could be that one employer will take responsibility for the provision of First Aid cover for all workers on the premises. back to top
Further information on First Aid at Work
* Email your query now
* Call our Adviceline on 0800 019 2211
First Aid at Work (external site)
This site from the Health and Safety Executive provides information on all aspects of first aid at work for employers and employees across all industry sectors. Free resources from Healthy Working Lives
Links below are to publications pages giving options to download these resources:
* Risk Assessment Form
* Risk Assessment Form – Worked Example
Free First Aid guidance from the Health and Safety Executive Note – all links are to external pages on the HSE website giving options to download or order these resources: * First Aid at Work – Your questions answered INDG214 (external site) Priced First Aid guidance from the Health and Safety Executive Note – all links are to external pages on the HSE website giving options to order these resources: * Basic Advice on First Aid at Work (external site)
* Electric Shock: First Aid Procedures (external site)
* First Aid at Work: The Health and safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 – Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L74 (external site) back to top