This is an overview if the commonly seen items in First Aid Kits and what you would use them for. We see students in our first aid courses that have never been given a good overview of what the items in a quality first aid kit should be and what each of those items can be used for.

 

Basic First Aid components:

Abdominal Pad

• A large sterile dressing that can be applied over a large wound and in combination with direct pressure can be used to control bleeding.

Alcohol Swabs

• These swabs can be used to clean first aid tools such as tweezers before and after patient use to reduce chance of spreading or introducing infection.

BZK Swabs

• These swabs can be used to clean minor wounds such as abrasions, cuts, and scrapes. They are alcohol free and will not sting.

Burn Gel

• This gel can be applied to  minor burn such as a superficial or partial thickness after cooling with water to assist in relieving pain. The gel can be applied directly to the burn on in addition to a Non-Adherent Pad.

Butterfly Bandage

• Used to secure small lacerations (~1") to assist in helaing. Wound should always be thoroughly cleaned with water or saline first. If the wound is large and gaping it should be cleaned and assessed by a doctor for possible sutures.

Clear Medical Tape

• Latex free tape used to secure dressings such as gauze to cover wounds. The tape is breathable.

Cloth Tape

• This latex free cloth tape is used to secure dressings, stabilize joints such as knees, ankles, and wrists or cover hot spots to reduce blisters.

CPR Face-Shied with One-way Valve

• A plastic face shield with a solid one-way filtered valve for personal protection when providing ventilation's to a patient during CPR (if within your scope of practice depending on your level of training).

Elastic Wrap (Also known as Tensor wrap)

• Used to provide compression to muscle injuries especially joints such as wrists, ankles, and knees. Can also be used to secure a splint or as a pressure dressing to control bleeding in combination with gauze or an abdominal pad.

Emergency Mylar Blanket (Also known as a space blanket)

• Can be wrapped around a ill or injured patient to help reduce heat loss and improve patient comfort from the elements.

First Aid Basics Guide

• Provides a quick reference for first aid skills that may be required. Easily fits in any first aid kit to assist in providing the best care.

Fabric Finger tip Bandage

 

• Used to cover small cuts to the tip of fingers. Protects the cut from debris and dirt, should be removed and changed whenever visibly dirty or wet and at least every 24 hours, ideally remove at night to allow wound to air dry and heal.

Fabric Knuckle Bandage

• Used to cover small cuts to the knuckle areas of fingers allowing for protection and movement of the finger. Protects the cut from debris and dirt, should be removed and changed whenever visibly dirty or wet and at least every 24 hours, ideally remove at night to allow wound to air dry and heal.

Fabric Large Island Bandage

• Used to cover larger cuts or scrapes to the body such as the knees or elbows. Protects the cut from debris and dirt, should be removed and changed whenever visibly dirty or wet and at least every 24 hours, ideally remove at night to allow wound to air dry and heal.

Fabric Standard Bandage

• Used to cover small cuts to anywhere on the body, thin size allows for application to fingers and stil allow for movement. Protects the cut from debris and dirt, should be removed and changed whenever visibly dirty or wet and at least every 24 hours, ideally remove at night to allow wound to air dry and heal.

Gloves: Vinyl

• Latex-Free vinyl gloves to protect the first aider form the patients bodily fluids.

Gloves: Nitrile

• Latex-Free nitrile gloves to protect the first aider form the patients bodily fluids.Nitrile gloves have more tear resistance and increased dexterity compared to vinyl gloves.

Instant Cold Pack

• Squeeze to activate, remains cold for approximately 15 minutes. Used to provide pain and swelling relief to bruises or muscle injuries. Should always be wrapped in cloth before applying to the skin to avoid frost bite.

Medium Organized First Aid Bag

• A strong water resistant bag with internal organization to easily identify and organize your first aid kit.

Mold-able Padded Aluminum Splint

• A padded foam aluminum splint that can be molded to a patients injury to protect it from further damage while transporting them t the hospital for further assessment.

First Aid Waterproof Case

• A waterproof hard case to protect first aid supplies form the elements. Ideal for outdoor first aid applications such as a boat, cottage, camp, or traveling.

Non-Adherent Gauze

• This specialty gauze does not stick to wounds or burns while providing protection form debris and infection. This is the gauze used in bandages and band aids. Best for burns, abrasion, or scrapes that you do not want to stick to the patient to make for easier removal. Should be changed when wet or dirty and at least every 24 hours.

Red Cross First Aid FREE Phone App

• The Canadian Red Cross app is available for both iPhone and android users for FREE. This app includes resources to use during a first aid emergency as well as lessons and challenges for improving your knowledge in first aid and preparedness.
• https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/first-aid-tips-and-resources/first-aid-app

Roller Gauze (also known as Kling)

• Roller gauze can be used to secure a dressing over a wound or attach a splint to a muscle/bone injury. The roller gauze has very little stretch so it remins secure when used to attach splints or dressing, it also alows to air to pass through allowing wound healing and prevent irritation to the skin.

Sterile Gauze

• Used to cover and assist with bleeding control for wounds. Comes in a variety of sizes to fit different wounds. Can be loosened for removal by soaking with water. Should be changed when wet or dirty and at least every 24 hours.

SOAP Patient Injury Notebook

• A standard medical industry form that allows for organization of recording events that occurred when caring for a patient or applying first aid. Can be sent with the patient to the hospital or with paramedics. Form is laid out in a manner that is easy to read for medical professionals allowing for excellent transfer of care. This book also has Canadian emergency numbers in the back (poison control, crisis lines...) and an area to add specific emergency numbers relevant to the first aider.

Trauma Shears (scissors)

• Used to cut away clothing to exposure an injury for better first aid. Can also be used to cut bandages and splints to size. Trauma shears are designed to easily cut through many types of clothing including belts and zippers if necessary.

Triangular Bandage

• Can be used to secure a dressing to a wound or bleed, attach a splint, create a sling and swath for an injured arm as well as many other improvised first aid applications. Includes 2 safety pins to assist in securing bandage.

Thermometer: Digital

• Used to assess and manage fever in both adults and children. Can be used orally under the tongue or auxiliary under the armpit. A fever is generally a reading greater than 38 degrees C. This is great to have especially if you have children that you may provide first aid for so that fevers can be managed with medication and re-checked to ensure they are improving in consultation with a doctor if necessary.

Tweezers: Fine Point Stainless Steel

• Used to remove splints or small foreign bodies form the skin. Can also be used to remove ticks. Can be easily cleaned with alcohol swabs to reduce chance of introducing infection.

 

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