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DMac
14th April 2010, 07:30 AM
BASICS OF FIRST AID (http://youhavetreadonme.com/blog/)

By: ERNurse24

Having a well supplied first aid kit is a vital need. Medical supplies are essential to have on hand in case of any emergency. But what do you need? How do you use it? I hope to answer these questions today and hopefully shed some light on the world of medicine.

It is important to note that many first aid supplies can be purchased at any local store. Stepping into the medical section of a store or pharmacy can be overwhelming. There are multiple brands, materials, sizes. Below is a detailed list of supplies and their uses. I will go into more detail at another time. For now, here is the basics.

* Activated Charcoal -used for poisoning emergencies. This is generally not found in a pharmacy but can be found online. Dosage for this is very dependent on the weight of the patient and must be used with caution!

* Adhesive strip bandages - assorted sizes; used for keeping clean wounds.

* Adhesive tape- can be found as paper, waterproof, surgical. People can be
allergic to tape so use only if no allergy is present. One of each type is not a bad idea.

* Aloe Vera Gel-

* Alcohol ,rubbing 70% – use at least 70% for optimal antibacterial properties. Can also be used in bathwater to reduce fevers. Only use on unbroken skin.

* Alcohol wipes- easier to use to clean a specific area then a bottle of rubbing alcohol; can be used to clean a tool before use.

* Antacid-tums, rolaids- used to reduce stomach acid or upset stomach

* Antibiotic ointment- Bacitracin, Neosporin. Used to prevent bacterial infections in cuts, scrapes, burns. Should be applied after skin has been cleaned.

* Aspirin-used to decrease pain and reduce fever. Look for 81mg and 325mg. Can also be used to prevent cardiac damage during a heart attack. Also is a blood thinner. Use with caution in people with traumatic injuries or possible internal bleeding

* Benadryl- used for allergic reactions, congestion. Can cause drowsiness and sleep

* Butterfly dressings- used to cover those hard places such as fingers, knuckles, etc.

* Calamine lotion-used to reduce itching or dry skin, use on insect bites, poison oak,ivy,or sumac.

* Chemical ice packs-used to apply ice to an area.

* Chemical hot packs-used for applying heat to an area.

* Cotton balls-can be used to apply ointments, creams, lotions.

* Cotton swabs-can be used to apply ointments,creams, or lotions to an area.

* Decongestant tablets & spray- used for nasal congestion; Afrin nasal spray can be used to stop nose bleeds

* Diarrhea medication- Immodium, Pepto-Bismol: used for consistent diarrhea.

* Duct Tape- can be used in an emergency situation to close an open wound. Duct tape will hold the skin closed and fall off when the skin reattaches together. Can hurt when removed.

* Elastic bandages – used to secure bandages, immobilize sprains, strains or reduce swelling in a extremity.

* Elastic Stockings- can be used as a makeshift tourniquet or bandage securing device in an emergency

* Epsom Salt- used to relieve sore throats when gargled in warm water, can be used to reduce swelling in extremity joints.

* Face mask for CPR – protect yourself against disease and pathogens.. Never do mouth to mouth without a barrier device!

* First aid guide - always good to have on hand when needed, can find at a local book store.

* Flashlight

* Gauze pads – various sizes

* Gloves-nitrile is the best for durability and anti-allergenic

* Glucose-use as directed

* Hydrocortisone cream-use on rashes to decrease inflammation

* Hydrogen Peroxide- the higher the percent, the higher the clean. Good for cleaning out wounds

* Hypoallergenic tape

* Ibuprofen-fever reducer, anti-inflammatory.

* Ice bag- try to find a refillable one

* Insect repellent

* Insect sting swabs

* Instant Hand Sanitizer

* Iodine-use to clean/disinfect skin or wounds, do not overuse

* Moleskin-use to cushion the skin

* Non-adhering dressings [Telfa]-can get expensive! Telfa is a non-stick dressing, very popular in hospitals today.

* Oil of Cloves - used as a pain reliever for toothaches

* Ointment, A&D-skin protective

* Paper drinking cups

* Plastic Bags-always keep body fluid soiled dressings gauze, gloves, etc. separate and tied shut when disposing. Do not mix clean and dirty!

* Roller guaze – self adhering -can also invest in horse wrap. Its cheaper and is the same identical thing, can be found at local farm stores.

* Safety pins

* Scissors

* Soap(antibacterial, unscented)

* Space blanket

* Sam splint

* Sterile Water or Saline

* Tampons- great for nosebleeds!

* Tape- 1/2″, 1″, 2″-used to secure dressings-even duct tape will work, but it wont come off that quick or painlessly.

* Thermometer – oral (tympanic, or ear thermometers are expensive, but useful.)

* Tongue blades

* Triangular bandages- good for a fast sling

* Turkey Baster-can be used to irrigate wounds

* Tweezers

* Tylenol- never give more than 4 grams(4000mg) in 24 hours!! good anti-fever, pain medication. Can also give in liquid!

mick silver
16th April 2010, 09:01 PM
i need to a fine a med bags with tools for closing up bad cuts