Public Service, Tutorials

Basic First Aid Kit

by Webmaster

Before I begin, I will leave you with this word of caution: IF YOU COME UPON AN EMERGENCY FIRST CALL 911, OR HAVE SOMEONE ELSE DO IT! Then render aid only as your level of medical knowledge permits.  If a person is conscious and alert, you must ask permission before treating them, even if it’s just putting a band aid on.. you may not render aid if they refuse for any reason.
When you’re out on a patrol, or an Outreach, you should always carry a first aid kit with you as part of your standard equipment load out.
The typical First Aid Kit contains things like (and I’m using a general purpose military first aid kit as an example):

  • x2 2” x 6 yds. Bandage Gauze
  • x1 6” Elastic Bandage
  • x2 3” x 4” Sterile Sponges
  • x16 3” Bandage Strips
  • x1 Ice Pack
  • x1 Tweezers
  • x1 Scissor
  • x1 Pill Bottle
  • x1 Eye Pad
  • x1 Hand Soap
  • x4 Pain Relievers (I carry both Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen)
  • x1 Magnifying Lens
  • x1 First Aid Instructions
  • x6 Safety Pins
  • x1 Pair Examination Gloves
  • x4 Aspirin
  • x1 First Aid Cream
  • x1 Triple Antibiotic
  • x1½” Tape
  • x3 Alcohol Wipes
  • x3 Iodine Wipes
  • x3 Antiseptic Wipes
  • x3 Clean Wipes.

This is a pretty standard set-up that you will find in most $10 store bought kits.  I suggest buying additional items for refilling the kit, or adding extras for items you may need more of.  I also suggest a First Aid pamphlet, or handbook.  But make sure you are familiar with the information before hand, so you don’t have to desperately look things up while someone is bleeding.
As you can see, such a kit would quickly become depleted after a few uses. But many of the most commonly used items can be bought at a $ dollar store, so making a kit from scratch, and having more uses than a standard kit, is relatively cheaper and easier.
I strongly suggest a couple pair of blue nitrile gloves.  Never treat a wound without a barrier between you and bodily fluids. (At the time of this writing, KnightOwl is working on an article about applying medical attention in the field.)
Of course, keep the kit water proof.?