Did you know that traumatic injuries are the number one cause of death among Americans aged 1 to 46? Do you know what to do if someone gets injured near you? Have you prepared a trauma kit that’s ready for use?
People don’t like to think about bad things, but it’s better to be prepared. Continue reading to learn how to make a personal trauma kit.
Why Have a Trauma Kit?
Studies have shown that 48% of people don’t have any supplies to use in an emergency. Having a trauma kit ready to go may make a difference between someone living or dying. The following is a guide to help you prepare your kit.
Create a Trauma Kit List
Having a list of all of the items in your trauma kit helps you keep it up-to-date. You may wish to create categories of traumatic injuries and list the supplies needed underneath. If you have items that expire, such as ointments or other medicines, write the expiration date on the list.
Set a time to regularly check your list to make sure that none of the items are expired. If you use the kit, you can refer to this list to easily restock the supplies.
What to Include in the Kit
It may be helpful to get a bag or tackle-style box with compartments for your kit. Many people feel flustered and have trouble focusing during emergencies. Dividing the supplies according to the type of injury can help organize your response.
General supplies include scissors, paper to write information on, and emergency phone numbers. All kits should contain non-latex gloves since about 1% of the general population has a latex allergy. Individuals with conditions such as spina bifida have a latex allergy prevalence of about 24% to 60%.
Bites
Bites can range from a gnat bite to a human or animal bite. For small, non-serious bites, applying alcohol and ice can ease the stinging and itching. If the bite appears to cause an allergic reaction, get to the hospital or call 911.
Supplies to include:
- Hand sanitizer for cleaning and to control itching
- Chemical ice pack
- Diphenhydramine for allergic reactions
- Ink pen to outline edges of bite and write time if the site is looking worse
Anyone who sustains a human bite that breaks the skin should see a doctor as soon as possible. Human bites can result in serious infections. If bit by an animal, try and contain the animal for possible testing.
Bruises or Sprains
Apply ice for bruises.
Supplies to include:
- Chemical ice pack
- Elastic bandage
If the person sprained or strained a joint, use the R.I.C.E. protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Burns
Burns should never be treated with ice. This can further damage the skin.
Supplies to include:
- Non-latex gloves
- Unopened bottles of water
- A clean basin
- Soft cloths
- Aloe vera (only use on intact skin or blisters)
- Over-the-counter pain medicine and a snack to eat with the medicine
- Rolls of gauze
Pouring cool water or laying cool water-soaked cloths on the burn helps release the heat. Follow the package instructions for the correct dose if giving pain medication. Take to the hospital or call 911 if there are severe burns to the face, neck, hands, feet, groin, or a large part of the body.
Minor Cuts and Scrapes
Scrapes and minor wounds can be washed with soap and water if available.
Supplies to include:
- Non-latex gloves
- Antiseptic solution or sterile wipes
- Various sizes of adhesive bandages
- Sterile gauze pads
- Medical tape
- Antibiotic ointment
If the scrape or cut has debris in it, soak in clean water. You can use some hydrogen peroxide to “bubble” out the debris. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with water.
Deep Cuts
Elevate the cut and apply pressure with sterile or clean bandages. Apply ice to decrease bleeding and pain.
- Non-latex gloves
- Antiseptic cleanser or sterile wipes
- Sterile or clean gauze bandages
- Chemical ice pack
- Over-the-counter pain medicine and a snack to each with it
- Bottled water
If the cut is deep and/or wide with heavy bleeding, take the person to the hospital or call 911.
Amputations
Use the permanent marker to write the time of the injury above the amputation. Have the person lie down, elevate the extremity, and apply direct pressure with thick dressings.
- Non-latex gloves
- Thick dressing or clean cloths
- Elastic bandage
- Chemical ice pack
- Tourniquet
- Permanent marker
- Large zip-closing bag
You should not apply a tourniquet unless you believe the bleeding is life-threatening. If you put a tourniquet on, write the time it’s put in place with the marker above the tourniquet. Call 911 immediately.
Someone should put the severed body part in a plastic bag. Then put that bag in another one containing water and ice and send it with the patient. You don’t want to freeze or get the body part wet.
Avoid giving the person anything to eat or drink since they may be undergoing anesthesia. If necessary, only give sips of water.
Possible Fractures
If the possible fracture is to the head, neck, or back, do not move the person. Call 911 immediately.
Supplies to include:
- Thick pieces of cardboard
- Elastic bandage
- Chemical ice pack
- Over-the-counter pain medication and a snack to eat with the medicine.
If the injury is to an extremity, create a splint using thick cardboard and wrapping it with an elastic bandage. Do not change the position of the injured arm or leg. Use the splint to keep it from moving.
Apply ice for pain and swelling. Follow package directions if giving pain medication. Transport the individual to medical care for further evaluation.
Do You Need Medical Supplies?
If you are setting up your own trauma kit, Save Rite Medical can provide the equipment you need. We strive to not only offer medical supplies but medical teaching as well. Our mission is to put our customers first and enhance their life.
Save Rite Medical offers excellent service and pricing. Our team works to ensure that you receive quality products, a wide selection of supplies, and quick home delivery. Contact us today to ask questions and order the supplies you need.
