Have you ever witnessed a case of SCA in a public place? If such a situation occurs, some bystanders usually know they should immediately use AED equipment on the victim. However, conducting an electric shock is sometimes challenging for a rescuer due to unexpected circumstances – they require more preparation before using AED. For example, the patient’s clothing is difficult to remove, the victim’s chest is too hairy, or the chest area may be too wet due to sweat to place an AED pad. Therefore, first aid kit preparation and AED equipment are necessary to help victims in unusual situations. This way, rescuers can utilize valuable resuscitation time before the emergency service arrives. Let’s discover more about the necessary items to prepare an emergency first aid kit.
What Should be Included in a First Aid Kit in Public Places and Why
The First Aid Kit contents are not much specific; they may vary according to certain situations. You can prepare your first aid kit with various accessories required for various emergency situations. Here is an overview of some necessary items that must be included in a first aid kit to help assist in applying AED Equipment.
- Protective Gloves
Protective Gloves prevent the rescuer from getting infections at the accident site. Also, they are necessary to remove any medical patches from the victim’s skin. Disposable gloves of non-latex material are usually used.
- Scissors
It is necessary to expose the victim’s chest to attach the electrode pads of AED equipment. You may need a pair of scissors for cutting clothing to access the area in the fastest way. Also, you can use scissors to trim dressings or bandages on the injured area.
- Razor
Electric shocks from an AED may burn the victim’s skin due to hair. A razor is necessary to remove hair from the chest area, preventing the release of electric shock between the skin and the electrode pads of AED equipment.
- Fabric
Water can conduct electricity across the patient’s chest skin, preventing the AED from releasing sufficient electric energy to the heart. You can use a cloth to dry sweat and moisture from the victim’s body. Also, you can fold it to prepare a bandage for fractures.
- Other Optional Items
In addition to the items mentioned above, you might need some other accessories to handle the medical emergency, if possible. These items include hand sanitizer, CPR mask, Antibiotic ointment, Compression bandage, ice pack, and hand warmer. Also, you will need adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, gauze squares (4″ x 4″), NSAIDs like Aspirin and Ibuprofen, a sling, eye wash, forceps, etc., for dealing with different kinds of wounds.
How to Store AED & First Aid Kit
Proper storage of an emergency kit can help enhance resuscitation outcomes for SCA victims. Here are some valuable suggestions for storing an AED & First Aid Kit.
- Keep them in a dry, cool place, away from excessive heat and humidity. Moisture and heat can be dangerous for sensitive items. A waterproof container can be best for storing a first aid kit.
- Place the AED & First Aid Kit in a suitable location that is easily accessible. For instance, you can place it in a corridor or another public space.
- Some items, like AED devices, AED pads and batteries, antiseptic solutions, and antibiotic ointments, have a certain expiry date. Check regularly and replace the items carefully in case they are unavailable during emergencies. You can utilize the online AED management platform, such as Mindray AED-AlertTM 2.0, to check the expiry date of the AED device and the accessories in a convenient manner.
- Don’t forget to keep medications such as painkillers and other types of equipment in separate bags. It is advised that the first aid kit at workplaces and public areas should not include medicines.
Mindray’s AED can be a Life-Saving Equipment
Mindray’s AED and the other tools discussed above can help you prepare a perfect first aid kit for a heart emergency. They can, together, improve the survival rate of individuals with cardiac arrest emergencies.
The latest Mindray automatic AED comes with intelligent operation and faster shock delivery. It works well for both trained and untrained rescuers and helps them confidently perform adequate SCA resuscitation. Don’t hesitate to contact them now to get your quote. Choose the suitable AED Equipment from all their options to optimally equip your first aid kit!