10 Quick Tips about First Aid!

Tips and Tricks can be really useful in all situations, from boiling and egg, through to landing on the moon!

Here's our top ten for First Aid!

1. Always have more than one First Aid kit, and keep them where you always are; so, that's at home, in the car, in the office (at work) and... on your person!

2. Keep First Aid kits in a waterproof container such as a tupperware box. Mark that box with a big Red Cross, and write 'First Aid Kit' on it. When buying a ready made First Aid Kit, ensure its box is waterproof.

3. Ensure all contents in a First Aid kit are in date. Out of date bandages can start falling apart, and medicines may have less of an effect, or undesirable results (Such as death in extreme circumstances!)

4. Ensure you have enough First Aid contents to treat a variety of wounds. A First Aid kit with just plasters in, is only useful for a small kit. Make sure there's bandages, and isolades, and Micropore, and Steristrips etc etc. Don't know what these things are? Go on a First Aid Course!

5. Always keep a good supply of gloves in a First Aid kit - this item is often overlooked. Also, make  sure they are what's called NITRILE gloves.... usually, and most commonly, these are blue in colour (They can be any colour at all really). Latex gloves can sometimes give a reaction to someone who is sensitive to that product.

6. If you keep Asprin, or any other medication in a First Aid kit, or there is anything sharp in there (Safety pins, scalpel blades) ensure it's out of reach of Children, or, better still, teach your children how to use the contents of a First Aid kit, and keep medication separate.

7. Never ever scrimp of First Aid contents. The cheapest we've seen a First Aid kit was for £1 in a pound shop. It's contents were dreadful, and of little use in an emergency (No use actually). This is a potentially life saving investment. Check the contents, and spend appropriately!

8. Learn about First Aid - taking your skills to the next level. Think about where you usually are in life. Do you walk a lot? Are you in remote places? Perhaps learning how to improvise in an Emergency will help when needed.

9. Think 'Outside the Box' (Literally). Most kits are only as good as the person who has access to them. Get real training, and practice your skills regularly.

10. Make sure people who are First Aid Trained, and First Aid Competent are known of. Co-workers and friends should be able to brag about their skills - big them up on it. Make sure everyone knows. In an Emergency, whilst waiting for professional help, you'll know who to call for immediate assistance.