1. First Aid

2. What is First Aid ?
First Aid as "measures to be taken immediately after an accident not with an idea to cure but in order to prevent further harm being done".
It uses the available human and material resources at the site of accident to provide initial care to the victim of injury or sudden illness until more advance care is provided.
First Aid has the following main objectives:
(i) To preserve life
(ii) To prevent the victim's condition from worsening
(iii) To promote recovery

3. First Aid Kit Following are the contents of a First Aid Kit :
Cotton wool
Adhesive tape
Crepe bandage
Sterile Dressing
Bandage
Thermometer
Scissors
Glove
Soap
Pain reliever
Antacid
ORS Packets

4. Home and Travel First Aid Kit Basics
Home first aid kits are usually used for treating these types of minor traumatic injuries:
Burns
Cuts
Abrasions (scrapes)
Stings
Splinters
Sprains
Strains

5. First aid kits for travel need to be more comprehensive because a drug store may or may not be accessible. In addition to personal medical items, the kit should contain items to help alleviate the common symptoms of viral respiratory infections such as these:
Fever
Nasal congestion
Cough
Sore throat
It should also contain items to treat these ailments:
Cuts
Mild pain
Gastrointestinal problems
Skin problems
Allergies

6. Make Your Own First Aid Kit
Try to keep your kit small and simple. Stock it with multi-use items. Almost anything that provides good visibility of contents can be used for a household first aid kit.
If your kit will be on the move, a water-resistant, drop-proof container is best.
Inexpensive nylon bags, personal kits, fanny packs, or makeupcases serve very well.
You do not need to spend a lot of money on a fancy "medical bag." Use re-sealable sandwich or oven bags to group and compartmentalize items.
Put wound supplies in one bag and medications in another.

7. How to Use a First Aid Kit
Make sure you know how to properly use all of the items in your kit, especially the medications. Train others in your family to use the kit. You may be the one who needs first aid.
Pack and use barrier items such as latex gloves to protect yourself from the bodily fluids of others. Check the kit twice a year and replace expired drugs. Find out the phone number of your regional poison control center at the American Association of Poison Control Centers Web site and keep the number with your kit.

8. Reference