Essentials For Good First Aid Response

In addition to the items noted in the photo, Henry also recommends the following supplies for a complete first aid kit.

Latex-Free Wraps
Latex-free wraps or triangle slings are a must for splinting and binding.

Gloves/Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment is for the safety of the rescuer and the comfort of the injured employee. Gloves should always be latex-free.

Cold Packs/Instant Cold Compresses
Cold treatment is needed for sprains, strains, bumps and bruises.

Pain Meds
Aspirin, nonaspirin and other pain relief items should be available in single-dose packages.

Eye Injury First Aid
Don’t ignore eye injuries. Our list includes eye wash, eye pads and eye drops.

Burn Care
Burns can happen frequently in every line of work, so be prepared with burn treatment materials that match your workplace’s hazards.

First Aid Guide
Remember, not everyone has attended a first aid course or remembers what was taught if they did attend.

Automated Electric Defibrillator (AED)
Although an AED will not fit in your first aid kit, you should give serious consideration to the lifesaving value of placing an AED in your workplace.

Antiseptics and Cleansers for sterilizing a wound.

Antibiotics to protect wounds against infection.

Latex-Free First Aid Tapes to secure gauze.

Scissors to trim gauze.

Gauze Rolls/Gauze Pads/Trauma Dressing for stopping severe bleeding and protecting an injury.

Finding What You Need
First aid is required by OSHA for all businesses, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay a lot for quality first aid items, good service and selection. We found that the top natural searches under “first aid products” on the internet (not the “sponsored” listings) offered everything on our list, along with fair prices, fast service, reasonable shipping and live customer service available though a toll-free number.

Source (with permission): Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, March 2009