Front line First Aid

FAK28-MCR

Welcome Summer!

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of Summer.  In addition to fresh lemonade, taking a dip in the pool and having outdoor sunlight past 7pm, summertime can also means stings and scrapes -- sometimes worse.

The latest 2015 statistics show accidents as the 4th leading cause of death in America. That's why it's important to not only keep current with your CPR skills, but to revisit your basic First Aid training as well. While the basics remain the same, like applying direct pressure to stem bleeding and splinting an injury in the position you find it, it is still necessary to practice what you've learned and keep the supplies you need on hand to best utilize those ingrained skills. 

Having a first aid kit is a step in the right direction. There is, however, no substitute for preparedness. We all need to examine our lives, busy as they are, and see what accidents or illnesses we're most likely to encounter. Our warehouse personnel need to be cautious when handling boxes as a mishandled cardboard box cuts just as easily as paper. And office workers can attest to how painful and inconvenient a bad paper cut can be. Little league coaches, do you know how to care for a child after they slide into second base and nick a fielder's cleat?

Scrapes and scars are part of life's adventure. Congratulations to everyone reading this as I bet at some point you've faced  a situation where you required some first aid care, but no one was around. Your excellent administration of self-care is allowing you to read this article now - I applaud your efforts!

I must confess that one common practice often portrayed on TV and in movies makes my husband and I cringe every time we see it. Please, please do not worry about cleaning a wound when it is still bleeding profusely!!! If you're soaking dressings with fresh blood, there's no need to worry about washing germs away -- the bleeding is going to kill you faster than any perceived infection. So please, get that bleeding under control first, then worry about cleansing, dressing and bandaging, that way you'll stick around long enough to worry about infection!       

With that said, a personal first aid kit ensures you've got your essentials at hand.  MCR Medical Supply's compact kit is small in stature but big on utility. Measuring just 4” x 4”, it’s chock full of components to treat minor injuries. Plus, it’s our smallest kit which still includes the popular ice pack. The compact first aid kit is made from durable nylon, stores easily in a briefcase, purse, glove compartment, or desk drawer, and has a loop for easy carrying on a duty belt or backpack accessory strap. The kit comes with: 

• 1 Instant Cold Pack
• 2 BZK Antiseptic Towelettes (alcohol-free towelettes to cleanse without stinging)
• 1 Non-Adherent Bandage
• 1 First Aid Tape 1/2" x 2.5yds.
• 1 Rolled Gauze 2" x 4yds.
• 10 Adhesive Bandages 3/4" x 3"
• 5 Adhesive Bandages 3/8" x 1 1/2"
• 1 Fingertip Bandage
• 1 Knuckle Bandage
• 1 Pair Vinyl Gloves
• 1 Triple Antibiotic Pack 0.9gm
• 1 Hydrocortisone Pack 0.9gm
• 1 Hand Sanitizer Pack 0.9gm
• 1 First Aid Instruction Guide

Not everything you need in your kit?  (Because you've assessed your daily living situation and found you really don't need the hydrocortisone, but could really use some extra gloves.) Personalize it!  Make it fit your lifestyle.  That's good advice for any first aid or 72-hour disaster prep kit you buy. It has been assembled with what someone thinks folks will need, but I always think of things I'd like more of and some items I don't need at all. Always open the pack to see what's in there and where it is. Don't waste precious minutes rummaging through an unfamiliar pack searching for a dressing. Keep sterile packaging in its original condition, but absolutely rearrange, add or remove things from the kit. A rescue medic friend says you should be able to close your eyes, reach into your kit and know what's where. We'll work on it, Mike!

In the meantime, I welcome you to peruse the MCR Medical Supply website, our Amazon or eBay store to see items you can use to personalize your own kit. Have a happy and safe Summer!