Treating my wound with a first aid kit – Part 1

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	Please refer to our blog article My Travel Health Kit Part I for more information.
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)