National Safety Month – First Aid

June is National Safety Month, and as a result, CPR Savers feels it is important to discuss the importance of first aid. Being prepared with a proper first aid kit and training can mean the difference between life and death for you or someone you love. The old saying, “better safe than sorry” is true here more than ever. It is always best to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best in any scenario in life, especially as it pertains to health and safety.

But why is first aid so important to one’s safety and survival?

For starters, it is the best response when there is no other responder. Many people tend to get injured in places that lack connection to a first responder and professional care. Emergency services can also take a long time to arrive depending on where you live. Having basic first aid skills and a kit ready and accessible can make a dramatic impact on you or your loved one’s survivability and recovery. First aid can also prevent small injuries from turning into bigger ones. A small cut may seem like nothing at the time, but with improper care, that cut can become infected and lead to far worse problems.

Not only are first aid kits a sensible investment to protect your health, but they are also crucial for businesses and organizations. It is required by law that all businesses keep first aid supplies ready and available in case of a workplace injury. Businesses should always make sure that their kits are stocked with the required ANSI supplies. Treating wounds with proper first aid can also save you a significant amount of money. It is much cheaper to clean a cut on your own than to travel to the hospital or clinic to get bandaged up. Even if you do end up having to make the trip to seek professional care, properly treating your wound prior to arrival can prevent a more serious injury which will become more costly.

When putting together a kit for yourself there are a few items that are extremely important to always have at hand. Businesses will be required to have additional supplies depending on their size and the nature of the work being done.

Here is a list of some essential first aid kit supplies:

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 in)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 emergency blanket
• 1 breathing barrier
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pairs of nonlatex gloves
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• 1 3in gauze roll bandage
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterilize gauze pads (3 x 3 in)
• 5 sterilize gauze pads (4 x 4 in)
• Oral thermometer
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• Emergency First Aid guide

Whether it be camping and hiking, in the workplace, at the beach or simply in your home, having a kit stocked and ready can make a dramatic impact on the wellbeing and survival of everyone around you. Stay safe and be responsible. It is best to never have to use a kit, but it is always better to have one ready just in case.

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