Ouch!! There is a time where you might accidentally cut your
finger, burn yourself while cooking or fell down while riding a bicycle. What
is the first thing that comes to your mind? We all know that we should clean
the wound with water and proceed to treat it with an antiseptic cream or
solution. Now the question is, where are these antiseptic creams or solutions
usually stored? The first aid kit will usually pops out first in your mind. Here,
let me explain to you briefly what a first aid kit is and why every family is
encouraged to have a first aid kit.
A first aid kit should contain all the equipment
needed for minor accidents, such as cuts, burns, bruises, bites and muscle
sprains. Since accidents may occur at times, it is important to have a
well-stocked first aid kit ready for you and your family in case of any
emergencies. You can also keep a small first aid kit under the seat of your car
and bring it along with you on a vacation.
Keep your first aid kit in a cool and dry place at
home where it is visible and out of the reach of children. If you choose to put
a first aid kit in your car, you may keep it in a suitcase, backpack or dry bag
and remember to put it away from sunlight. You can choose to buy an equipped or
non-equipped first aid kit in any pharmacy. If you buy a non-equipped first aid
kit, you can tailor your kit according to your activities and needs. If you do
not want to purchase one, you can assemble the items in any type of container,
preferably a durable plastic box. However, it is best to make sure the kit comes in a clean and waterproof
condition to keep the items safe and aseptic. The
contents should be checked routinely and restocked if the items have expired or
been used up.
Now please allow me to introduce to you on what you
should have in your first aid kit. First-aid kit's content has to be tailored
according to your activities and needs.
A basic first aid kit should include:
Items
|
Example
|
Function
|
Dressings
|
2 absorbent
compress dressings (10x10cm)
|
MELOLIN
Absorbent Dressings
|
-Cover cuts,
grazes and minor burns to prevent germs from entering the wound.
-Absorb wound
fluid while minimizing adherence to wound bed.
|
20 adhesive
bandages (assorted sizes)
|
NEXCARE bandages
|
-For minor
cuts and skin injuries. It is used to cover and protect the wound from water,
dirt and germs to prevent infection as well as promote healing.
-Never use
adhesive dressing on burnt or abraded skin.
|
5 sterile
gauze swabs (7.5cmx7.5cm)
|
Gauze Swab (7.5cm x 7.5cm) from Winner Medical Co.
Ltd
|
-Primarily
used as a swab with an antiseptic to clean wound.
-As a dressing
to cover wound.
|
5 sterile
gauze swabs (10cmx10cm)
|
Gauze Swab (10cm x 10cm) from Winner Medical Co. Ltd
|
-Primarily
used as a swab with an antiseptic to clean wound.
-As a dressing
to cover wound.
|
Bandages
|
1 three-inches
wide roller bandage (crepe or conforming bandage)
|
SMITH & NEPHEW Elastic Conforming Bandage
|
Hold dressings
in place, create pressure to stop bleeding and reduce swelling as well as provide
some support.
|
1 four-inches
wide roller bandage (crepe or conforming bandage)
|
SMITH & NEPHEW Crepe Bandage
|
Hold dressings
in place, create pressure to stop bleeding and reduce swelling as well as
provide some support.
|
2 triangular bandages
|
SMITH &NEPHEW Triangular Bandage
|
Used for
slings, hold splints in place and restrict movement.
|
Antiseptic preparation and
Over-the-counter medicines
|
4 Alcohol pads
|
|
-To sanitize
equipment such as scissors and tweezers.
-To clean
unbroken skin before applying adhesive bandage.
|
1 antiseptic
wash
|
-Dettol
antiseptic liquid
-Normal Saline
-DermacynTM (for diabetic wound care)
|
Clean wound by
washing away dirt and germs as well as relieve itch temporarily.
|
1 antiseptic
solution
|
Acriflavine solution 30ml
|
-Used as a topical
disinfectant in small scrapes, bruises and cuts (applied by using cotton wool
or bud).
|
1 burn antiseptic
cream
|
Burnol antiseptic cream (10g)
|
-For
prevention and treatment of infection in burn cases.
-Provide
immediate relief in burns and aid in healing process.
-Can also be
used in minor wounds, cuts and insect bites.
|
Burn Treatment
-Aloe vera gel
-Lidocaine
cream or ointment
|
|
Apply to the
area around the burns (NOT on the burned area) to provide cooling effect and
reduce the pain.
|
1 Methyl Salicylate
liniment
|
Tiger Liniment
|
-Rubbed onto
the skin to provide symptomatic relief of strains, sprains and muscular
pains.
|
1 Hydrocortisone
cream
|
Xepa Hydrocortisone cream
|
To relieve
allergic reaction such as itchiness, redness and swelling.
It can be
applied on the face and armpits as well.
Recommended
Dosage: Apply a thin layer on the affected area two to three times a day.
Do not apply
on open wound.
|
Other instruments
|
2 breathing
barrier
|
Face mask
|
To reduce
chances of airborne infection transmission.
|
2 pairs large
disposable non-latex gloves
|
|
To avoid
direct contact with blood or wound fluids (exudate).
|
1 instant cold
compress
|
|
To reduce pain
and swelling which are caused by sprains, strains, minor burns and insect bites.
|
Scissors
|
|
For cutting
bandages, removing clothes from wounds.
|
Tweezers
|
|
To remove
splinter, glass or insect stinger.
|
1 adhesive
tape
|
3M™ Micropore™
Surgical Tape
|
-To hold the
dressing in place.
-To hold the
loose end of a bandage.
|
12 safety pins
|
|
To secure
slings and bandages in place.
|
First Aid
booklet
|
|
Provide
comprehensive information on most minor wound care in first aid condition.
|
Hand sanitizer
|
Dettol Hand Sanitizer
|
Clean hands
before and after the wound care is done.
|
1 pack of
cotton balls / cotton swabs
|
|
For applying
antiseptic cream or solution.
|
Some comprehensive kits may contain pharmacological agents to alleviate
emergency condition such as fever, pain, allergies and gastrointestinal issues.
The medicines included are shown as below:
Condition
|
Medications
|
Fever
or pain
Be aware that there are people allergic to
painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and others. If you experience any
facial swelling, skin itchiness/redness, difficulty in breathing, please stop
taking the medication and please rush to the hospital (emergency department)
as soon as possible.
|
Paracetamol 500mg
Dosage:
Adult (above 12 years old): 2 tablets 4 times a day, maximum dose is 8 tablets.
Only take it when necessary.
Children: Dosage depends on age. Please consult doctor or pharmacist.
Or
Ibuprofen
400mg
Dosage:
Adult (above 12 years old): 1 tablet three times a day, maximum dose is 6
tablets. Only take it when necessary.
Children: Dosage depends on age. Please consult doctor or pharmacist.
|
Allergic
reaction
(Feeling
itchy or swelling)
|
Cetirizine
10mg (Brand name: Adezio®, Zyrtec®)
Dosage:
Adult & children >6 yrs : one tablet once daily
Children 2-5 years: 2.5ml of suspension once daily.
|
Food
Poisoning
|
|
Indigestion
or heart burn
|
Note: You might need syrup form for children below 6 years old. If you have any current health condition, please
consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine mentioned above.
*Please store some of your
personal medication such as asthma inhaler in the kit as well.
You are advised to have a first-aid kit available at
all times. In case of a medical emergency, you should call 999 and at the same
time, you can use your first aid kit to treat injuries promptly to minimize
further complications.
That’s
all for this week article. Stay tune for our next article on how to use the
equipment in the first aid kit for wound healing. Have a great day ahead.
Authors:
1. Lau Hie Hie
BPharm (Hons)
(IMU)
2. Jamie Lim Jo Shin
BPharm (Hons)
(IMU)
Editors:
1. Jordy
Wong Der Yuan
BPharm (Hons) (IMU)
2. Chang Jen Nee
BPharm
(Hons) (IMU)
2. Tee
Ai Ven
BPharm
(Hons) (IMU)
