FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is first aid?
First aid is the initial line of assistance to someone with minor to severe sickness or injury before emergency medical service (EMS) shows up at the scene. Along with promoting recovery, first aid aims to provide life-sustaining care while preventing the patient’s condition from getting worse. People with various levels of first aid training can administer treatment ranging from minor injuries to administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, on most occasions, the person providing initial care has at least basic first aid training, even though first aid doesn’t require specialized equipment or prior training.
What is in a first aid kit?
The contents of your first aid kits depend on several factors, including your location, in-home or remote use, and private or public use. Also, some people buy a prepared first aid box or assemble their own. Nevertheless, every first aid kid should have some essential items. The most basic items are scissors, tweezers, and an oral thermometer. For wound care, you need an assortment of bandages, gauze pads, and gauze rolls. Wound dressing also requires surgical tape and saline solution. In addition, your first aid kit should include antiseptic, eyewash, and antibiotic ointments, along with a space blanket and gloves. Optional items include moleskin, calamine lotion, smelling salts, antihistamine, and ibuprofen.
How do I get CPR and first aid certified?
The American Red Cross provides all the resources you need to meet OSHA mandated and other regulatory requirements for CPR and first aid certification. In addition, the Red Cross’s CPR offers online, in-person, or blended classes in CPR and first aid. This program includes expert instructors, peer-to-peer sessions, personalized learning, interactive scenarios, or hands-on skill practice. After completing the course load, your Red Cross CPR and first aid certifications are valid for two years. To get the process started, you can visit RedCross.org to find an online, in-person, or combo class near you.
What does ABC mean in first aid?
In an emergency, it’s essential to know the vital elements of administering first aid. It could save a life. A simple acronym (ABC) will remind you of the crucial steps you must take in providing first aid in an emergency. The translation for the first letter is airway (A). Since your initial task is to make sure a person is breathing, you can assist in opening the airway by putting your hand on the person’s forehead and softly tilting the head back. Then, raise the chin with two fingers from your other hand.
At this point, you can confirm the person is breathing (B) by looking down at the person’s body while positioning your ear over the patient’s mouth. Take note of the sound, strength, and cadence of the person’s breathing. If the person has stopped breathing, you can stimulate blood circulation (C) by performing rescue breaths and chest compressions (CPR). This rescue technique delivers oxygen-filled blood to the organs and cells until the patient’s natural breathing mechanism returns.
What is a trauma kit?
A trauma kit contains items designed for treating life-threatening injuries to preserve a person’s life until acute care is possible. Since the first goal in life-threatening situations is to stop traumatic bleeding, the trauma kit only contains life-saving items like blood clotting agents, tourniquets, and pressure dressing. Additionally, a trauma kit usually includes a nasopharyngeal airway device for patient ventilation and oxygenation.
A trauma kit is smaller than a first aid kit because it doesn’t carry preventive or recovery products. Also, unlike first aid products, trauma products require expert training for proper use.
What is in a first responder kit?
A first responder kit contains supplies intended for people with emergency medical training. Although it is similar to a basic first aid kit, a first responder medical kit contains additional items like oral pathways, a stethoscope, and a blood pressure cuff. The US Department of Agriculture, the Federal Air Marshals Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Federal Protective Service, and many civilian agencies use first responder emergency medical kits as standard first response equipment. With a first responder kit, a user can treat both minor and traumatic injuries.
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The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, charts, and any other material on this site, is intended for informational purposes only and does not take the place of medical guidance provided by your physician. No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified medical professional about your condition or circumstances before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.