First Aid Kits

[iceman]

Where's the best place to get reasonably priced First Aid Kits from?

I need to get one/some for IISAC and don't want to spend a fortune.

Anyone work in a hospital? :)

Alternatively, if there's anyone coming to IISAC who has a reasonable first aid kit they can bring along, that would be fantastic too.

I'll happily re-stock any supplies we use (hopefully they won't be needed!)

[Ian Robinson]

St.Johns , or you can buy a multilayer fishing tackle box and visit a chemist and ask him for the necessary sterile linnon bandages (several different widths and lengths), sterile saline solution , several different types of self adhesive bandaids, some self adhesive "leukoplast" tape , a space blanket, sterile patches for scalds and burns and tweezers and a pair of sizzers, some bandage holders (little stretchy thingies which grab the end of linion bandage).

Don't forget some Savlon , Panadol and Asperine , Liquid Bandaid are good additions.

This is what I have in my First Aid Kit in the home which I keep handy in reach in the pantry.

I think it is worth while doing a First Aid Course too , I did and I have a plastic card that I carry about in my wollet to prove it. I did my course cf BHP Steel.

I also have smaller self assembled First Aid kits in my car's glove box . Some bandages , a selection of bandaids and some savlon and panadol and a space blanket in big self sealing plastic bag in my glove box - I've needed these on a few occasions , when I've come across accidents. Also have an old single blanket for in the car for this purpose - if it gets bloody it doesn't matter , and I get it washed after use.

I've a small first aid kit in a plastic tackle box - a selection of water proof cloth super sticky style bandaids, some panadol, a small tube of Savlon some bandages and self adhesive tape. People often hook themselves , get spiked or bitten by fish, or cut themselves with sharp knives, or on the oysters or barnicles.

I make sure I replace any used materials when I use a kit , a First Aid kit is useless if you consume important components and don't.

I think every home needs a good first aid kit., and every car needs one on the glove box or boot or under a front seat.

See here https://secure.stjohn.org.au/nswshop/product-detail.asp?pc=2&p=28 , I reckon these are worth the cost.

[BerrieK]

Iceman, you could try you local St John Ambulance (Suite 2
86 Mann St, Gosford, NSW 2250 (02) 4324 6047)...they usually have quite comprehensive kits at reasonable prices related to the size of kit (this depends on the application you need it for)...or they sell them on line as well https://secure.stjohn.org.au/nswshop/. Take care if buying from some shops as sometimes items in the kits are past their use by date. Probably cheaper to but a ready-made kit than getting bits n pieces from the chemist. Always handy if there is someone who works at a hospital (like myself but I live in Orange!).Choice magazine has looked into kits and suggests essential and optional contents for kits based on the Australian standard:

Essential items


At least nine sterile, cotton-gauze swabs, for cleaning wounds and placing over non-adherent burn dressings.
At least three disposable hand towels or tissues, for general cleaning, other than wounds.
24 sterile, adhesive dressing strips in assorted widths, to cover small cuts, blisters and abrasions.
One roll of low-allergenic adhesive strapping, at least 25mm wide x 2.5m long, to hold dressings in place.
Two sterile, individually packed, non-adhesive dry dressings, 100 x 100mm, to use for burns, abrasions, cuts, lacerations and weeping wounds.
Three sterile wound dressings of different sizes, to protect wounds, use as an eyepad, or help control bleeding by applying pressure.
Three rolls of stretch bandage, 50, 75 and 100mm wide and at least 1.5m long (and stretchable to twice that length), to hold dressings in place, support injured limbs or give first aid for poisonous bites.
Two triangular calico bandages with at least 900 mm edge length each, to use as slings or dressings, or as bandages to hold large dressings or splints in place.
At least five safety pins about 40mm long, to hold bandages in place.
One pair of rust-resistant scissors about 100mm long, with at least one blunt point, to cut dressings and bandages, or to cut away clothing.
One pair of rust-resistant, pointed forceps, with accurately aligned tips and in a protective case, for removing splinters and stings.
One pencil and notepad, to record times and details or for passing messages.
At least three sealable plastic bags, about 150 x 200mm, for carrying water, making ice packs, disposing of dirty dressings or carrying severed body parts.
Disposable latex gloves and an approved resuscitation mask, for infection control.
First aid information — books are available from St John Ambulance Australia, the Australian Red Cross and other expert ambulance services.Optional items


At least six individually wrapped isopropyl alcohol swabs, for cleaning areas around wounds.
One sterile, thick and absorbent ‘combine’ dressing, 90 x 200mm, to cover wounds.
One plastic squeeze-bottle of saline solution, about 100mL, clearly labelled with usage instructions and expiry date, to clean eyes, wounds and burns.
One aluminium foil blanket, to keep a casualty warm.
Sting relief treatment, 10mL minimum, clearly labelled with its purpose and expiry date, to relieve discomfort from stings or bites.
Hydrogel burn treatment, to treat burns if no cool water is available.Hope this was helpful !

Cheers, Kerrie :D

[AdrianF]

The one I use is the St Johns 4X4 First Aid Kit I bought through ARB a couple of years ago, I think I paid $240 for it a little expensive but worth it. It as everything a first aider would need and comes in a waterproof plastic toolbox.

Adrian

[asterisk]

I concur - the St John's First Aid kits are the way to go - better quality, wide range of useful items and in a handy carry-case.

[Rodstar]

Australia Post stocks a simple first aid kit for $20, Mike. I believe it is put together by St John's Ambulance.

[Ric]

Hi Mike, these kits are very well stocked and cover just about everything.

As a First Aider in the RFS. I swear by this one.

http://www.rfsa.org.au/store/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=113

Hope it helps.

[gman]

Just a word of warning and it may never happen, but unless you are qualified to dispense medication, I wouldn't hand out the Panadol and/or Asperine etc.

Could have some litigation attached if someone has an adverse effect from taking such meds

[Shawn]

Good Post...

[GTB_an_Owl]

begs the question then

DO WE HAVE ANY QUALIFIED FIRST AIDERS GOING ?

better still - any Doctors or Nurses ?

geoff

[sheeny]

Yes.

Al.

[gmbfilter]

Yes
Senior 1'st aid + advanced oxygen resuscitation

[GTB_an_Owl]

well - looks like Geoff can look after the over 50's :whistle:

can you look after the younger ones AL ? :thumbsup:


geoff

[gmbfilter]

:thumbsup: Give it a go.
:scared: I'm only good If I've got my Cat1 (fire truck) with me.

Could probably put you out if you were to burst into flame, trained firefighter don't you know!

[GTB_an_Owl]

we might be able to get you a part time gig with the Gresford mob while your up there :lol:

geoff

[gmbfilter]

Mate, any time...they would need to double my pay though!

[GrahamL]

I know the visual and imaging camps don't always see the Esoteric
values of each others beliefs .. but if a little bit of plastic can keep the blood off the ground..its a good thing . :thumbsup::)

Those 20$ kits are ok I found rod ..throw in a good sized preasure bandage
and I havn't needed much else.

[sheeny]

No probs!;):lol:

Al.