From cuts to burns to fractures and nosebleeds many accidents take place everyday. Understanding First-Aid will not only better equip you in case of an emergency but could perhaps mean the difference between life and death of a patient. In this section we'll examine basic First-Aid procedures and at the end of the course you'll be tested on your knowledge.
Items you'll need in a medical kit:
1. Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches).
2. Two large gauze pads (at least 8 x 10 inches).
3. Box adhesive bandages (band-aids).
4. One package gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide.
5. Two triangular bandages.
6. Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes.
7. Scissors.
8. At least one blanket.
9. Tweezers.
10. Adhesive tape.
11. Latex gloves.
12. Resuscitation equipment such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask.
13. Two elastic wraps.
14. Splint.
15. Directions for requesting emergency assistance.
Remember the Goal: Recognize when help is needed and how to get it. Learn how and when to access the EMS system, ie: 911, activate the emergency response plan, and to contact the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222).
The faster you retrieve advanced care for the patient the higher the survival rates. If you're alone and/or in harm's way then provide basic care before leaving (if possible). Basic care such as: applying pressure to the body that's severely bleeding and opening an airway. These steps should be followed before attempting to activate the Emergency Response System.
