Health

THE ESSENTIALS

Item: waterproof plasters

Quantity: selection of different sizes

Use: for most minor wounds

WHEN TO USE WATERPROOF PLASTERS

If there is a bleeding wound that is fairly small, an adhesive dressing should be used. If you're preparing food in the kitchen use a blue plaster so you will be able to see it if it drops in the food.

HOW TO USE

Minor wounds can be washed with water and padded dry, then the adhesive dressing should be stuck over the top.

TOP TIP

A small number of people are allergic to the adhesive strip, which could cause irritation. If you're applying one to a family member, you may be aware of this. If it’s someone you don’t know, ask them first.

Item: sterile eyepads

Quantity: 2

Use: for minor eye injuries
 
WHEN TO USE STERILE EYEPADS

If the wound is small, or the casualty has a foreign object in their eye such as dirt or grit, but it's not embedded, you can apply an eyepad or small dressing. Use an eyepad until you can get medical advice.

HOW TO USE IT

Place the pad lightly over the eye and secure with some bandage around the head using a knot or with tape.

Item: crepe bandage

Quantity: 1

Use: for a sprain or strain

WHEN TO USE A CREPE BANDAGE

It's mainly used for a sprained or strained ankle or wrist. First treat the injury with an ice pack to reduce swelling. After 10-12 minutes, remove the ice pack for a few minutes then re-apply. If the swelling does not go down, it could be a break and you should seek medical advice as an X-ray may be needed. If you think it's just a strain, and some of the swelling has gone down as a result of using the ice pack, apply a crepe bandage for support.

HOW TO USE IT

The bandage is generally applied in a figure of eight. For example, on an ankle you would start at the base of the leg (above the heel), make two turns, then take the bandage inside the instep of the foot and begin the figure of eight. The heel stays exposed. If the sprain or strain is to the wrist, you can simply wrap the bandage around the wrist. If the bandage came with clips, secure it with these. Alternatively, you can use tape or safety pins.

Item: triangular bandages (sling)

Quantity: 4

Use: to lift a limb

WHEN TO USE A TRIANGULAR BANDAGE

You can use a triangular bandage in different ways: as a sling to lift a limb to prevent blood loss, to secure a fractured collarbone or hand, and also for sprains and strains if a crepe bandage isn’t available.

HOW TO USE IT

If there’s an injury to the lower or upper arm, you can also make an arm sling, tied at the neck. Triangular bandages can also be folded and used as a supporting bandage if a crepe bandage isn’t available.

Item: medium sterile dressing pads

Quantity: 6

Use: when a plaster is too small

WHEN TO USE MEDIUM STERILE DRESSING PADS

These pads are wound dressings. When you open them up, there is a roll of bandage attached so you can secure them into place. They’ll cover most common wounds and should be used whenever a plaster is too small. The dressing applies firm pressure on the wound.

HOW TO USE THEM

Make sure the pad covers the entire wound. When you wrap the bandage part of the dressing (which is attached to the pad) around the wound, make sure you seal each end of the pad with it to stop infections entering the wound, and stop blood seeping out. The bandage should be secured by tying in a knot, above the wound if possible, which will apply more pressure.

TOP TIP

If the wound is severe, apply the dressing and seek medical advice. If blood soaks through the dressing, don’t remove it or clotting (which will have started) will be disturbed. Instead, take a large dressing and apply it over the top as a second layer.

Item: large sterile dressing pads

Quantity: 2

Use: for dressing large wounds

WHEN TO USE LARGE STERILE DRESSING PADS

These pads are large wound dressings. When you open them up, there is a roll of bandage attached so you can secure them into place. They’ll cover most common wounds and should be used whenever a plaster or medium dressing pad is too small. It applies firm pressure to the wound.

HOW TO USE THEM

Make sure the pad covers the wound and that the bandage part of the dressing seals each end of the pad. If the wound is severe, put the dressing on and seek medical advice.

Item: sterile gloves

Quantity: 1 pair

Use: to protect the casualty and first aider

WHEN TO USE VINYL GLOVES

These protect the casualty if the first aider’s hands are dirty, and they protect the first aider if the casualty is bleeding.

TOP TIP

Gloves are usually available in small, medium, large and extra large. Make sure you have the right size to fit you in your first aid kit.

Item: tough cut scissors

Quantity: 1 pair

Use: to safely cut clothing off

WHEN TO USE TOUGH CUT SCISSORS

These are used for cutting clothing to get at a wound or the site of a fracture. They are safety scissors so you can’t jab them into somebody’s leg by accident – there is no danger of cutting the skin.

HOW TO USE

Only use if you need to expose the site of an injury. If the wound is on the arm or leg, cut along the seam of the trouser leg or shirt, and on a side away from the wound.

TOP TIP

Always tell someone you are going to cut their clothing before you do it.

Item: alcohol-free wipes

Quantity: 6

Use: to clean grazes if water is not available

WHEN TO USE ALCOHOL-FREE WIPES

These are used to clean grazes and minor wounds when water is not available.

HOW TO USE

Wipe the wound once, then dispose of the wipe. Take another one and repeat. Wipe away from the wound, to avoid introducing an infection.

Tap water is the best thing to clean a wound, but if there's no water available, an alcohol-free wipe is better than nothing.

Item: safety pins

Quantity: 6

Use: to secure a bandage or sling

WHEN TO USE SAFETY PINS

Safety pins can be used to secure a crepe bandage, or for securing a sling on the elbow.

Why is it important to learn first aid?

Research from the British Red Cross shows that you are most likely to use your first aid skills on a relative or a friend.  Wouldn’t you want to help a friend who was choking, or help a relative who had burned themselves? It’s quick and easy to learn and having first aid skills can make a real difference.