Bandage And Other Necessary Supplies A First Aid Kit Should Have

First aid is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as an emergency care or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained. It encompasses procedures such as CPR and defibrillation as well as tools such as bandages which are also considered one of the must haves of a first aid kit.

Necessity is mainly the reason why humans are able to produce different inventions that not only help in their needs but also make lives easier. This is also the reason behind the development of First aid. The need for immediate response during accidents and unexpected events lead to this need. The religious order of knights known as “The Order of St. John” are said to be the first ones trained to administer medical treatment to patients.

The use of first aid became prominent especially to armies who were often injured during war. In 1792, the first official army corps which was formed by the French Army Surgeon General administered first aid to injured soldiers in the battlefield. Then in 1860, the Geneva Convention and International Red Cross were establish to help and protect with sick and injured soldiers in the battlefield. Over the years the use of first aid kit became popular that in 1967 Marines were asked to carry individual first aid kits which include bandages which can be used to treat themselves in case of injuries.

But what are the essential items that should be kept in a first aid kit? It is a must that a first aid kit is well stocked at all times, especially that injuries may happen at the most unexpected time. Among the supplies that should be included in a first aid kit are latex gloves. These are especially necessary as many diseases are transmitted by touching bodily fluids such as blood and urine. Bandages such as Band-Aids are also necessary as small cuts and scrapes are among most common injuries. For slightly larger cuts and bloody noses, sterile gauze bandages are also necessary. To tape bandages and for minor splitting like broken fingers, adhesive tapes should also be included in the first aid kit.

Ipecac syrups which are given to patients who accidentally ingested poisonous substance and ammonia inhalants for fainting are also vital for a first aid kit. Other than bandages and the aforementioned, tools like all purpose scissors, splints, tweezers, safety pins, flashlights, recuse blankets, and cold packs should also be included in a first aid kit. Cellphones today are also considered to be an important item that should be included in a first aid kit.

Accidents are always unexpected and one needs to always be ready in case they happen. Thus, having a first aid kit complete with all the essential first aid supplies like bandages, scissors, etc. is a must.

Anne Christine Ramsay is a medical doctor from Germany. Dr. Ramsay always brings with her her first aid kit which is stocked with first aid supplies such as bandage (bandagen), Band-Aids, and the like.