7 must-haves for your First Aid Kit

Whether it’s a skinned knee or a sprained ankle, having the correct medical materials in your first aid kit is essential. Packaging your first aid kit doesn’t have to be expensive or take up a lot of room at home or in your car.

Take a look at Supply Doctor, an online medical supplies website, for a wide range of first aid equipment as well as bags and boxes.

Here are 7 important must-haves for your first aid kit:

First aid manual – You may not want to waste space in your kit, but having a manual is important as it can offer essential tips and guide you on how to treat certain wounds, etc. Learning how to treat injuries while waiting for professional help can really make a difference.

An assortment of bandages – Whether you need gauze for a large wound or a simple adhesive strip for a small scratch, having assorted bandages in your first aid kit is essential. Bandages come in a range of shapes and sizes, so be sure to pack a variety.

Antiseptic and ointments – Should someone injury themselves, it is vital that everything is sterile to avoid infections. Be sure to include antiseptic, hand sanitizer and sanitary cloths in your first aid kit. Toss in a pair of non-latex gloves to safely apply any antiseptic or ointments.

Instant Compress – Aches and pains also need to be treated, so make sure your first aid kit includes a heat pack as well as an ice pack. An instant compress is recommended to reduce any swelling.

Scissors – A good pair of scissors is a necessity in your first aid kit. In addition to cutting gauze you may need to cut other material like clothing during an emergency. A regular pair of scissors is fine along as they are sharp enough!

Medication – Pain is a big deal, especially to little children, so it’s a good idea to have children’s pain reliever as well as pain relieve for adults in your first aid kit to reduce fevers, headaches, sprains and other pains.

Tweezers – This device isn’t just for plucking stray hairs. Tweezers can come in handy in your first aid kit, especially if you need to remove splinters, glass and ticks.

Accidents of any kind are bound to happen, anytime or anywhere. So, it is crucial for you to have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand at all times!

7 Vital Steps to Take when Treating a Minor Burn

Minor burns are common injury, however they can still be extremely painful. While you can treat a minor burn yourself at home with the help of a fully stocked first aid kit, it is best to get professional help should you have a severe burn. 

Here are 7 vital steps you need to take when treating a minor burn...

1. Run cool water over the burn. This will prevent further damage to your skin. Avoid using extremely cold water, since this can damage the skin around the burn.

2. Remove tight clothing or jewelry. Anything that might constrict your skin as the wound swells needs to be removed. This lets blood flow to the wound and starts healing it.

3. Apply a cold compress. If cool water isn’t an option, use a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Place it over your burn.

4. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, if the pain and swelling does not lessen after several hours; take another does of the medication.

5. Clean the burn. After washing your hands, use soap and water to clean the burn. To prevent infection, apple an anti-biotic to keep the burn clean and Aloe Vera to soothe your skin.

6. Lightly cover the burn with gauze. You may not need to apply a bandage to first degree burns, but small second degree burns will need a wrap to keep out any infection.

7. Watch the burn for infection. Keep an eye on the wound for changes in colour. Seek medical attention if a burn does not heal over several weeks. Let your doctor know if you experience any warmth, tenderness and hardening of the wound area

Need some high-quality medical supplies to clean and treat your burn? Supply Doctor has a wide range of medical equipment that can suit your needs - contact us today on 021 110 0422 or email info@supplydoctor.co.za

7 Things you NEED in your First Aid Kit

Whether you have to care for skinned knees or scraped elbows in the backyard or wrap up a sprained ankle, having medical and first aid materials is essential both at home and on the go. Packaging a first aid kit doesn’t have to be expensive or take up a lot of room in your car or home.

A great online medical equipment and supplies website is Supply Doctor, there is a wide range of first aid equipment to choose from and add to your kit.

Here are some of the must-haves for your first aid kit:

First Aid Manual
Although you may not want to waste space in your first aid kit, a manual is very important. It can offer you helpful tips and guide you on how to treat wounds, clean and bandage scrapes and even stop nosebleeds. Learning how to treat injuries while waiting for professional help can really make a difference.

Assorted Bandages
Whether you need adhesive strips for small scratches or gauze for larger wounds, assorted bandages in your first aid kit is essential. Bandages come in all shape and sizes, so pack a variety in your kit. Also make sure to include gauze rolls, elastic bandages and sterile burn sheets.

Antiseptic and Ointments
When an injury happens, making sure everything is sterile is crucial. Ensure that you have tools to clean cuts and wounds like antiseptic, hand sanitizer and sanitary cloths. Toss in a pair of non-latex gloves to safely apply any antiseptic or ointments during a minor emergency.

Instant Compress
To treat any aches and pains, make sure your kit includes instant heat or ice pack. Instant compresses are recommended to reduce swelling – once the package is broken the compress will retain its temperature for about 20 minutes.

Scissors
A good pair of scissors is a necessity in your first aid kit. In addition to cutting gauze you may need to cut other material like clothing during an emergency. A regular pair of scissors is fine along as they are sharp enough.

Medication
Pain is a big deal, especially to little children, so it’s a good idea to have a children’s pain reliever around to reduce fevers, headaches, sprains and other pains.

Tweezers
This supply isn’t just for plucking stray hairs. Tweezers can come in handy to remove splinters, glass and ticks.

Accidents of any kind are bound to happen, anytime or anywhere. So, it is crucial for you to have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand at all times.

Why First Aid is Vital when you have Children

First aid is vital to know because accidents can happen any time and any place. When you have children, however having the correct first aid supplies as well as knowing basic first aid is critical!

Whether you are a parent, teacher or you to tend to be around kids a lot, you need to consider getting first aid training – here’s why:

     1.       It’s important to always be prepared

Having first aid supplies and equipment on hand in your home or place of work at all times is so important. The next time your child falls and scrapes their knee, you can handle things in a confident manner and stay calm at the same time.

     2.       The difference between life and death

It may not ever come to this, but first aid could mean the difference between life and death, so don’t brush it off like it isn’t important! Accidents happen every year that include children falling in pools, etc. you could be the one to save a life if you know first aid.

     3.       Sports injuries

Playing sports is probably an important part of your child’s life. However, sports come with injuries. Rather than sitting back and letting someone else deal with it, put your first aid training to good use and you can help your own child or someone else’s child.

Children are really good at getting themselves into accidents, from broken bones to bruises – make sure you have the correct first aid supplies as well as the basics of performing first aid.

Take a look at Supply Doctor's first aid kits that are currently on special and order today while stocks last!

Contact us on 087 001 0511/2 or email westcoastsales@supplydoctor.co.za

First Aid Kits in the Workplace

Every business or company is different, so all first aid requirements will be different as well. Depending on the size, location, type and number of employees working there, all places of work NEED to their first aid arrangements in place or it could mean serious problems.

Accidents happen, no matter which industry you work in. Being prepared for the worst can prevent serious injuries, which is why having the right first aid requirements and suitably trained first aid officers is so important.

ALL employees need to have access to a first aid kit at all times. What is inside the kit depends on the size of the business and the level of risks. A high risk workplace has a number of high risks that could cause serious injuries, like a construction site. A low risk workplace is one where workers are not exposed to any hazards that can cause serious injuries or illnesses.

Low Risk Workplace:

  Ø  One first aid kit for every 10 – 50 workers

  Ø  One extra kit for every additional 50  workers

  Ø  After 200, every additional 100 workers requires one extra kit

High Risk Workplace:

  Ø  One first aid kit for up to 25 workers

  Ø  Two kits for up to 50 employees

  Ø  After 50, every additional 50 workers requires one extra kit

The supplies that go into each first aid kit may vary, however each kit should have the basic equipment to administer first aid to an injury. The extra supplies in a first aid kit will be based on the workplace and what injuries may occur. Someone who has been trained to know basic first aid should be the one who keeps control of the first aid kit.

A first aid kit does not need to be fancy – take a look through the affordable first aid kits available from www.supplydoctor.co.za

Why every home needs a First Aid Kit

In light of the recent devastation caused by the fires in Knysna, we have decided to put together a list of the benefits of having a first aid kit as well as some of the contents that should be inside.

Having a first aid kit in your home is not an option, it is a necessity!

  n  A Central Location

Your first aid kit should contain all the essential medical supplies and products, meaning a person can immediately run to the location of the first aid kit and everything will be in one central location. As a rule, make sure that everyone in your family, all your friends and others such as your domestic workers, babysitters, etc. all know where the first aid kit is located. NOTE: Never place a first aid kit somewhere a toddler/young child can reach it.

  n  Travel

If you do not have a first aid kit in your car already you can bring your home first aid kit along on the road. Accidents can happen, like a burnt finger from the camp fire or even a minor fender bender, so make sure your first aid kit is on hand at all times. NOTE: It is best to have two first aid kits, one for the car and one for your home.

Here are some of the things you should have in your first aid kit:

       -          Crepe bandages

       -          Adhesive bandages

       -          Gauze pads

       -          Eye pad

       -          Scissors

       -          Disposable gloves

       -          Tweezers

       -          A space blanket

       -          Safety pins

       -          Burn dressing

       -          Plasters

       -          Thermometer

Supply Doctor has a range of first aid kits, including an affordable a home first aid kit. Should you want to simply buy supplies for your kit, all of the above are available from the Supply Doctor online medical supply store.

How to Create a Home First Aid Kit – Part Two

In order to always be prepared for emergencies, you need a reliable first aid kit, but remember it also needs to be stocked sufficiently! Supply Doctor has a wide range of medical supplies that you can use to fill your home first aid kit. Here’s exactly what to stock in your kit…

1. A range of bandages
When dealing with cuts and scrapes, it is ideal to have an array of sizes and types of different bandages. Place all your bandages in a clear Ziploc bag with a label. Include the following bandages:

- 25 adhesive bandages of different sizes
- Five gauze pads
- A roll of cloth adhesive tape
- Two sterile dressings
- Roller bandage
- Triangular bandages

2. Basic medical tools
You need to be ready to pluck splinters, cut bandages and other first aid tasks without searching for different tools around the house. Place these in a labelled Ziploc bag as well and include:

- Small, sharp scissors
- Tweezers
- Non-latex gloves
- Oral thermometer
- Cotton balls and swabs
- CPR breathing barrier mask
- Instant cold press
- First aid instruction booklet
- Hand sanitizer
- Cleansing wipes

3. Additional tools
If you have a big first aid kit, you might want to add non-essential medical tools in a separate pouch or bag. These might include:

- Eye protection
- Space blanket
- Aluminium finger splint
- Duct tape
- Petroleum jelly
- Sewing needle
- Safety pins

4. Medications
Keep these separate from bandages and tools, and clearly marked. Make sure to check the expiry dates regularly too. Include the following:

- Aloe Vera gel
- Calamine lotion
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Laxatives
- Antacids
- Antihistamines
- Pain relievers
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Cold/cough medicine

5. Family medications
If any members of the family need prescription medications, consider including them in your first aid kit, especially if you are travelling. Ensure that you keep them in clearly marked containers.

- Keep close track of the expiry dates of the medications
- If anyone has severe allergies, keep an epi-pen in the home kit with instructions

Always be aware of what you use and don’t let the supplies run too low. In order to have a fully effective home first aid kit, it keeps to be stocked properly!

How to Create a Home First Aid Kit – Part One

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, so it is vital to always be prepared. Having a properly stocked first aid kit in your home is easy and essential, especially if an emergency happens and it involves your family.

1. Pick a good bag or container
You can buy a pre-filled first aid kit, and you can buy empty first aid bags or containers. But, its also possible to find a suitable one at home.

- One good option is a see-through, water-resistant plastic container with a zipper or lid. This is great, as you can see the contents inside.

- For a larger first aid kit, a duffel bag or backpack will work.

- If you want to purchase an empty first aid bag or box, try Supply Doctor as they have a wide variety to choose from.

- Regardless of what you choose, make sure it is clearly identifiable by writing “First Aid” on it, or sticking on a label.

2. Make your kit safely and easily accessible
When your child is crying about a cut or scrape on their knee, you don’t want to have to search through your entire home just to find your first aid kit.

- Decide on a consistent spot for your first aid kit to stay. An accessible, visible shelf would be perfect, and make sure to inform everyone where it is located.

- Let small children know where the kit is, but make sure it is in a place they cannot access. You don’t want them getting into the first aid kit and fiddling with potentially dangerous contents.

3. Teach your family about the kit
Make sure everyone who is old enough understands the function of the first aid kit and knows its exact location.

- For smaller children who are too young to be using the items in the kit, teach them where it is located so they can inform a visitor, relative or babysitter if there is an accident.

- For older children and adults, they should be taught how to use the specific items. A first aid kit instruction booklet will help.

4. Keep your first aid kit up-to-date
No one wants to go fetch the first aid kit and find that there are no plasters or bandages left.

- Keep track of the supply amounts and expiration dates on a regular basis.

5. Create a checklist to include with your kit
Stock your first aid kit and make sure to record every item on a sheet of paper you can include in the kit.

- Record the certain amounts and expiration dates and write them down next to the listed items on your checklist.

- The checklist will help whoever uses the first aid kit to see what is inside and what items are ready to use.

First aid kits are easy enough to make on your own, Part Two will explain what to stock in your home first aid kit.