Prisma Health provides tips for first-aid kits ahead of summer traveling
The summer travel season kicks off with Memorial Day weekend, and Prisma Health encourages everyone to create travel first-aid kits before heading out since even small injuries, if left untreated, can derail a vacation.To get more news about
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 44% of Americans do not have first-aid kits even though having a well-stocked and maintained kit is essential in being prepared for accidents.
“We all like to think that nothing bad is going to happen to us, but injuries can happen anywhere at any time and to anybody,” said Nathaniel Mann, MD, a Prisma Health emergency medicine physician who is also fellowship-trained in wilderness medicine. “Being adequately prepared by having all vital medical products in one accessible location may reduce the severity of an injury, save your vacation or even help save a life.”“The more remote you plan on going, the more prepared you should be to handle minor injuries by yourself. Remember that some of these medications can do double duty – for example, you may not be prone to motion sickness in a car, but Dramamine could mitigate vertigo or dizziness from an unexpected sinus infection,” said Mann.
Not every sickness or injury can or should be treated at home, he added. “Get as much training as you can, but trust your gut and know when to seek help.” Prisma Health offers On Demand Video Visits for around-the-clock urgent care for everything from suspected strains, minor burns and cuts, dizziness, fever and minor head injuries. Learn more at PrismaHealth.org/VirtualCare.
Is there a standard for first aid kits?
The 'Portable first aid kits for use by consumers' standard (AS 2675) was penned back in 1983 and not only has it never been updated, it recently lapsed. This means Australia no longer has a standard for first aid kits but many of the recommendations in AS 2675 are still relevant today. So while we don't test first aid kits to the standard, we still use the inventory list as a guide.
Customising your kit
Though it's important to keep the essential items, you can also add anything else you feel is necessary to your first aid kit. This is where a larger kit will come in handy as it will likely have space for more supplies.
In addition to adding items that you feel are essential, it's important to consider the environment that your kit will be used in. For example, Health Direct suggests multiplying the included items by the the number of people in your home and adding thicker bandages if you have kids who play sport in the yard.
Making sure the contents are safe
The idea that a first aid kit could harm the user seems like the definition of irony, but it can happen. If you have allergies, particularly skin allergies that are contact triggered, make sure the materials won't aggravate your condition. Gloves, for example, could be an issue if the kit uses latex instead of nitrile.
