The one thing we cannot be sure about is what life brings us each day. Whether we like it or not, we cannot know when one of us is going to have an accident, and what the consequences will be. What matters is ‘falling’ into the arms of an emergency medical technician (EMT) and hoping for the best. Unfortunately, accidents could happen anywhere, anytime, so having the right place to call is essential.
One thing I’ve learned is that having even the most basic first aid kit at home or in your car matters, even if you’re not a trained first responder because you could save a life. Once a person near you can approach the injuries with the right tools and products, then the EMT or paramedic can have better control in his own hands later on. In the end, their calls are continuously growing on a daily basis, which is why everyone should know at least the basics of treating someone in an emergency situation.
The Importance of a First-Aid Kit
It Can Save Someone’s Life
As we already mentioned, in case of an accident, or any kind of medical emergency, it will be imperative for a person to have access to an emergency kit. Even having one in your car is paramount. On the other hand, paramedics should also have their own emergency kits that consist of many other gears designed to help them save someone’s life, literally.
Depending on the situations and the kits, besides the most essential medical accessories for first responders, some of these professional kits could even consist of more complex equipment that can be used for monitoring the patient in intensive care situations until more help comes on the way. Hence, having the right approach, quick response and a well-stocked first aid kit can save someone’s life.
It Can Provide Relief and Comfort
Even though a first aid treatment can’t entirely cure a person with major injuries or one in critical condition, still, it can provide him with urgent relief and comfort before the paramedics arrive. By reducing the patient’s discomfort, you’ll make him feel calmer which can help paramedics do their job better. Once at the place, they’ll take over the control in their hands and will proceed to treat the patient according to the current situation. Even if the injuries are major, they can help the patient a lot since they have the right emergency trauma kits.
It Can Reduce the Chances of an Injury Becoming Fatal
Being professional and skilled, a first responder can certainly reduce the severity of the injuries in case of an accident. Being stocked literally with everything you could think of, a first responder will be there to help the patient stay alive without exposing his life to more danger.
Which Are the Most Common Paramedic Medical Accessories in an EMT Kit?
Besides the basic things a basic first-aid kit can have like bandages, sterile gauzes, local antibiotics, etc., a professional first responder kit usually consists of more complex medical equipment. Even though headlamps aren’t a part of the kit itself, having them at hand is essential, especially when working in dark conditions.
Oxygen and Airway Equipment
In cases of breathing problems, an emergency technician has access to different equipment that can help the patient keep breathing without a problem. Such equipment is an oxygen mask (in different sizes), oxygen cylinders, suction devices, airway adjuncts etc.
Medical Devices
The long list of crucial medical accessories extends to devices a first responder should have. Some of the most common things he should have are a stethoscope, thermometers, blood pressure measuring device (usually an analogue sphygmomanometer) and an automated external defibrillator. They should also have lots of other tools like forceps, tweezers, magnifiers, and penlights as an addition to headlamps.
Trauma Supplies
Aside from the basic trauma supplies like bandages and gauze, first responders are usually stocked with more supplies like medical tape, different types of dressings and pads, chest seals, tourniquets, and a great number of other bleeding control equipment.
Splinting and Transportation Devices
In case of broken bones or various splints, a first responder should have different splinting and immobilising items in order to avoid any further injury. Examples of such accessories and devices are several types of collars for keeping the head in place without moving, several splints and traction devices, and backboards with restraint straps.
Drugs
Given the fact that first responders are professionally trained, they’re also trained for giving patients certain types of drugs in case of an emergency. For instance, they know just the right amount and type of drug they could give to a patient with heart disease, asthma and the like. They also know how and when to use anaesthetics like lidocaine and morphine and so many other drugs.
