First Aid Kit There are ready made first aid kits available in chemists and large department stores, but some people like to make up their own kits, so with this in mind we have put together some items you might like to include in your first-aid kit. The essence of first-aid is improvisation, you use what you have at the time. However, every office, factory, home and school should have an accessible first-aid box with the following recommended basic contents. You don't need any fancy bags or boxes for your kit, all you need is a biscuit tin or strong cardboard box to hold your first-aid stuff in, just remember where you leave it and what's in the kit. "Now go and do a First-aid Course"

---

Contents:

•  First-aid book.
•  Triangular Bandages X 3 to 5.***
•  Conforming Bandages, 10cm and 15cm X 2 each.
•  Crepe Bandage 7.5cm X 2.
•  Tape 2.5cm X 1 Roll.
•  Absorbent Gauze (Small Roll).
•  Band-aids (Plasters)  X 1 Box.*
•  Sterile Dressings (Selection).**
•  Cotton Wool (50gr.)
•  Antihistamine, (for Bee Stings).*****
•  Antiseptic Solution 50ml.
•  Antiseptic Wipes X 4
•  Scissors X 1.
•  Safety Pins X 12.
•  Tongue Depressor X 4.
•  Latex Gloves, Pair X 2.****
•  Clinical Thermometer X 1.
•  Pen Torch X 1

* Band aids or sticky plasters are great for dressing small wounds. They come in all shapes and sizes for fingers, legs and anywhere else you might get little nicks and cuts. Some come with cartoons and fancy colors on them for kids. Make sure the Band aid is big enough to cover the wound, if not you should use a dressing instead. Be sure the sterile seal on the Band aid is intact before you use it.

** Sterile dressings are cloth pads that are placed directly on a wound to protect and control bleeding They too come in all shapes and sizes and should be used when a wound is too large for a band aid.
In an emergency a clean tea cloth, hand towel, clean tee-shirt can be used to cover the wound.

*** Bandages used to cover and secure wound dressings to the body (e.g. conforming or roller bandages). Triangular bandages are used as above if you have no roller bandages. They are also used to immobilize an injured limb (e.g. arm sling). Crepe bandages which are normally used to provide compression for injuries such as a sprained ankle, wrist etc.

**** Latex gloves are always a good idea, especially if you are dealing with body fluids from a stranger. You will notice all EMS personnel wear gloves. The possibility of disease transmission from the victim's blood should be in the forefront of your mind.
(If I have cuts on my hand, I wear two pairs of gloves). Last but not lest, remember to wash your hands before and after treatment.

*****Antihistamine cream is used for bee stings and bug bites. Follow the manufactures instructions. If the victim is allergic to bee venom they may develop anaphylactic shock. If this happens they need to be seen by a Doctor. Now!