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Department
of Family Medicine
Patient Education Information on...
Index of
Patient Education Topics
What to have in a first aid kit at home
Knowing what to have for a home first aid kit can be confusing and expensive.
Many off the shelf kits are affordable and good for most simple problems.
The National Safety Council recommends that a kit have as a minimum:
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4x4 Gauze Pads (12)
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9x12 Gauze Pads (2)
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Pkg of 2 inch Roll Gauze
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Triangle Bandage (40in min)
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Wound Cleansing Agent (sealed)
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Latex gloves, Tweezers, Scissors
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4 inch elastic wrap
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adhesive tape
Additional items might include:
variety of adhesive bandages
bottle of aspirin
If children are near
IPECAC syrup and the phone number of the Poison Control Center
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When to use first aid at home
Now that you have assembled your kit, you have to know when to use it.
It is important not to overstock your kit with medicines or exotic supplies.
First aid is just that, first aid. Serious problems such as loss
of consciousness, uncontrollable bleeding, burns, fractures, chest pain,
and the like should be handled by paramedics or EMS in your area.
If in doubt CALL 9-1-1.
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Basic Steps to CPR (not a substitute for training)
It is a very good idea to enroll in a basic first aid course that is available
at most American Red Cross Chapters. Community CPR Classes offered
by the American Heart Association are also a good idea.
Remember A-B-C
A = Airway
B = Breathing
C = Circulation
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find out if victim is awake by shaking/shouting "are you OK?" CALL
FOR HELP.
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A=airway, tilt head back or push jaw out with fingers.
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B=breathing, find out if victim is breathing, look , listen, feel for breathing.
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give 2 slow deep breaths to mouth with victim’s nose pinched.
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C=Circulation, check carotid pulse in neck with fingertips for 5-8 seconds.
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if no pulse then begin CPR by compressing the lower 1/2 of bony part
of middle of chest to about 1 1/2 to 2 inches.
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perform 15 compressions, then give 2 breaths as above.
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Repeat this rate for 1 minute , check pulse, and resume for 5 mins if no
pulse.
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Continue until help arrives.
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Check pulse every 5 mins.
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How can I get more information on first
aid at home
For More Information, Call or Write to:
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National Safety Council 248-3009
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American Red Cross 251-0921
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County EMS/Rescue 272-6600
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Poison Control Center 1-800-282-3171
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 626-1177
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American Academy of Family Practice
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American College of Emergency Physicians