Richard AgamaA first aid kit is an essential tool that every job site needs in case of medical emergencies. But first aid kits are only useful if you adequately stock them. Is yours up to par? Check this list of four items you’re missing in your workplace first aid kit to ensure you haven’t left something important out.
First Aid Handbook
The tools in your first aid kit won’t be very useful if nobody knows how to use them properly. While most people know how to use items like bandages and petroleum jelly, what about how to make a tourniquet or how to treat someone who’s seizing? A handbook will provide information on how to handle a variety of situations until medical professionals arrive on the scene to take over.
Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter medicine that you can use to relieve pain and itching from insect bites, rashes from poisonous plants, and sunburns. It’s an essential first aid kit item for any workplace where the staff regularly spends time outside.
While calamine lotion is cheap and readily available, you can swap it for aloe vera, which also relieves pain and itching.
Disposable Thermometers
This is another common item that could be missing from your workplace first aid kit. On most job sites, fevers are the least of anyone’s worries. But body temperature changes are a common symptom of many diseases, not just the standard flu or fever. And while small fluctuations may not be anything to worry about, anyone with a temperature higher than 103°F or lower than 95°F needs immediate medical attention. By including thermometers in your first aid kit, you can quickly and accurately check the body temperature of sick individuals.
Different Types of Bandages
All bandages serve a similar purpose; they protect wounds from external hazards like bacteria and dirt. But these sticky, protective coverings aren’t one size fits all. They come in a large variety of shapes and sizes.
For example, patch-style bandages are for covering the knees, elbows, and large cuts elsewhere on the body. Spot bandages are for insect bites. Then there are fingertip and knuckle bandages, which easily wrap around and securely stick to the fingers. Ensure you have a variety of bandage types in your first aid kit to accommodate a range of injuries.
Having a first aid kit on the job site is highly beneficial, but if your kit is missing items, you could find yourself in a pinch in the middle of an emergency. Make sure yours contains all the basics, including these overlooked essentials!
