First aid kit: Difference between revisions

[[File: British Red Cross First Aid Kits.jpg|thumb|Large and small [[first aid]] kits used by the [[British Red Cross]] for event first aid, in the internationally recognized ISO[[ISO_3864#Components_of_ISO_3864|safety green]] with a white cross. These kits also feature the [[Emblems_of_the_International_Red_Cross_and_Red_Crescent_Movement|red cross]], which is a protected symbol under the [[Geneva Conventions]] and may only be used by the Red Cross or military.]]

A '''first aid kit''' or '''medical kit''' is a collection of supplies and equipment that is used to give immediate medical treatment, primarily to treat injuries and other mild or moderate medical conditions. There is a wide variation in the contents of first aid kits based on the knowledge and experience of those putting it together, the differing first aid requirements of the area where it may be used, and variations in legislation or regulation in a given area.

The international standard for first aid kits is that they should be identified with the [[International Standards Organization|ISO]] graphical symbol for first aid (from [[ISO 7010]]), which is an equal white cross on a green background.<ref name=ISO>{{cite web|url=https://www.iso.org/obp/ui#iso:grs:7010:E003|title=ISO 7010 - E003|access-date=25 August 2018|archive-date=4 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504141646/https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:grs:7010:E003|url-status=live}}</ref>

First Aid Kit can be assembled in almost any type of container, and this will depend on whether they are commercially produced or assembled by an individual. Standard kits often come in durable plastic boxes, fabric pouches or in wall mounted cabinets. The type of container will vary depending on the purpose, and they range in size from wallet-sized through to a large box. It is recommended that all kits are kept in a clean dust- and damp-proof container,<ref>[[The Scout Association]], [https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/incidents-and-illness/first-aid-kits-and-accident-books/first-aid-kits/guidance-on-first-aid-kits/ Guidance on first aid kits], accessed 11 June 2024</ref> in order to keep the contents safe and [[aseptic]].<ref name=tpm>{{cite book|title=First Aid Manual 8th Edition|publisher=St John Ambulance, St Andrews First Aid, British Red Cross|year=2002|isbn=0-7513-3704-8}}</ref>

It is recommended that all kits are in a clean, waterproof container to keep the contents safe and [[aseptic]].<ref name=tpm>{{cite book|title=First Aid Manual 8th Edition|publisher=St John Ambulance, St Andrews First Aid, British Red Cross|year=2002|isbn=0-7513-3704-8}}</ref> Kits should also be checked regularly and restocked if any items are damaged or are out of date.

File:FirstGreen first aid symbol.pngsvg| Alternate version of the first aid symbol

The ISO only endorseendorses the use of the green background and white cross, and this has been adopted as a standard across many countries and regions, including the entire EU. First aid kits are sometimes marked (by an individual or organization) with a red cross on white background, but use of this symbol by anyone but the [[International Committee of the Red Cross]] (ICRC) or associated agency is illegal under the terms of the [[First Geneva Convention]], which designates the red cross as a protected symbol in all countries signatory to it. One of the few exceptions is in North America, where despite the passing of the First Geneva convention in 1864, and its ratification in the United States in 1881, [[Johnson & Johnson]] has used the red cross as a mark on its products since 1887 and registered the symbol as a U.S. [[trademark]] for medicinal and surgical plasters in 1905.<ref>{{cite web|title=USPTO record for Johnson & Johnson's Red Cross mark|url=http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=71013666&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|publisher=tsdr.uspto.gov|access-date=6 May 2015|archive-date=4 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404082200/http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=71013666&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|url-status=live}}</ref>

Some first aid kits may also feature the [[Star of Life]], normally associated with [[emergency medical services]], but which are also used to indicate that the service using it can offer an appropriate point of care. Though not supported by the ISO, a white cross on red background is also widely recognized as a first aid symbol. However, for very small medical institutions and domestic purposes, the white cross on a plain green background is preferred.

[[Image:Laerdal Pocket Mask Case.jpg|thumb|A [[Pocketpocket mask]] in its case.]]

Specialized first aid kits are available for various regions, vehicles or activities, which may focus on specific risks or concerns related to the activity. For example, first aid kits sold through marine supply stores for use in watercraft may contain seasickness remedies.

===Airway, Breathingbreathing and Circulationcirculation===

First aid treats the [[ABC (medicine)|ABCs]] as the foundation of good treatment. For this reason, most modern commercial first aid kits (although not necessarily those assembled at home) will contain a suitable infection barrier for performing [[artificial respiration]] as part of [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation]], examples include:

===Common Itemsitems===

* Thermometer

* Antiseptic solution (most commonly [[povidone iodine]] or [[hydrogen peroxide]])

* Cotton balls or [[Cotton swab|swabs]]

* [[Emergency blanket]]

* [[Gauze sponge]]

* [[Hand sanitizer]]

* [[Saline solution]]

**[[Moleskin]]&mdash; – for blister treatment and prevention

**[[Petrolatum]] gauze pads, used as an occlusive ( air-tight) dressing for sucking chest wounds, as well as a non-stick dressing

**Gauze roller bandages -– absorbent, breathable, and often elastic

**[[Elastic bandagesbandage]]s -– used for sprains, and pressure bandages

**Adhesive, elastic roller bandages (commonly called '[[Cohesive bandage|Vet wrap]]') -– very effective pressure bandages and durable, waterproof bandaging

**Triangular bandages -– used as slings, tourniquets, to tie splints, and many other uses

*[[Butterfly closure strips]] -– used like stitches to close wounds, usually only included for higher level response as can seal in infection in uncleaned wounds.

*[[saline (medicine)|Saline]]- – used for cleaning wounds or washing out foreign bodies from eyes

*[[Soap]] -– used with water to clean superficial wounds once bleeding is stopped

*[[Hemostatic]] agents may be included in first aid kits, especially military, combat or tactical kits, to promote clotting for severe bleeding.

The use of [[personal protective equipment]] or PPE will vary by the kit, depending on its use and anticipated risk of infection. The adjuncts to artificial respiration are covered above, but other common [[infection control]] PPE includes:

*[[Tweezers]], for removing splinters, amongst others.

*Irrigation [[syringe]] -– with catheter tip for cleaning wounds with sterile water, saline solution, or a weak iodine solution. The stream of liquid flushes out particles of dirt and debris.

*[[Epinephrine autoinjector]] (brand name Epipen) -– often included in kits for wilderness use and in places such as summer camps, to temporarily reduce airway swelling in the event of anaphylactic shock. Note that epinephrine does not treat the anaphylactic shock itself,; it only opens the airway to prevent [[suffocation]] and allow time for other treatments to be used or help to arrive. The effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) are short-lived, and swelling of the throat may return, requiring the use of additional epipens until other drugs can take effect, or more advanced airway methods (such as [[intubation]]) can be established.

*[[Diphenhydramine]] (brand name Benadryl) -– Used to treat or prevent anaphylactic shock. Best administered as soon as symptoms appear when impending anaphylactic shock is suspected-. Once the airway is restricted, oral drugs can no longer be administered until the airway is clear again, such as after the administration of an epipen. A common recommendation for adults is to take two 25mg pills. Non-solid forms of the drug, such as liquid or dissolving strips, may be absorbed more rapidly than tablets or capsules, and therefore more effective in an emergency.

*[[Paracetamol]] (also known as acetaminophen) is one of the most common pain -killing medicationmedications, as either tablet or syrup.

*Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as [[ibuprofen]], [[naproxen]] or other [[NSAID]]s can be used as part of treating pain from injuries such as [[sprain]]s, [[Strain (injury)|strain]]s and strainsbone fractures.

*[[Codeine]] which is both a painkiller and anti-diarrheal.

* Anti [[diarrhea]] medication such as [[loperamide]] -– especially important in remote or third world locations where dehydration caused by diarrhea is a leading killer of children

**Antiseptic fluid, moist wipe or spray- – For cleaning and disinfecting a wound. Typically [[benzalkonium chloride]], which disinfects wounds with minimal stinging or harm to exposed tissue. Can also be used as an antibacterial hand wipe for the person providing aid.

**[[isopropyl alcohol|Alcohol]] pads- – sometimes included for disinfecting instruments or unbroken skin (for example prior to draining a blister), or cleaning skin prior to applying an adhesive bandage. Alcohol should not be used on an open wound, as it kills skin cells and delays healing.

*Burn gel -– a water-based gel that acts as a cooling agent and often includes a mild anaesthetic such as [[lidocaine]] and, sometimes, an antiseptic such as [[tea tree oil]]

**[[Hydrocortisone]] cream or injection

*[[Tincture of benzoin]] -– often in the form of an individually sealed swabstick or ampule, protects the skin and aids the adhesion of adhesive bandages, such as moleskin, [[Band-Aid]]s, or wound closure ('butterfly') strips. Benzoin swabsticks are very prone to leaking and making a mess when kept in portable first aid kits,; ampules are a more durable option. If swabsticks are used, it is advisable to keep them in a sealed zip lock bag.

Besides the regular uses for first aid kits, they can be helpful in wilderness or survival situations. First aid kits can make up a part of a [[survival kit]] or a [[mini survival kit]] in addition to other tools.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies|title=What Do You Need In A Survival Kit?|access-date=25 August 2018|archive-date=9 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809024046/http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies|url-status=live}}</ref>

|url = http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/programs/fire/documents/0006/6170_6H.pdf}}</ref> which specifies the contents of several different-sized kits, intended to serve groups of differing size.

As the understanding of first aid and lifesaving measures has advanced, and the nature of public health risks has changed, the contents of first aid kits have changed to reflect prevailing understandings and conditions. For example, earlier US Federal specifications<ref>{{cite web

}}</ref><ref>{{cite web

* [[IFAK]] (individual first aid kit), US military equipment [[Image:IFAK.jpg|thumb|IFAK]]