How Useful and Relevant Is My First Aid Kit?

joshjosh210 on 02/04/2018 - 10:58
Last edited 02/04/2018 - 11:04 by 1 other user

Hi OzBargain,

I currently own a 230 piece First Aid kit from eBay, and I was thinking about purchasing another one for my other vehicle.
My current first aid kit is in my 4WD which I like to take camping, to the beach, off-roading, road trips, etc and much of the time my teenage friends and I are quite a distance to the nearest hospital. So I have my first aid kit, but I also don't have any first aid training which is part two of my question.

Firstly I want to know how relevant my first aid kit is to what I am doing. Very broad, I know so should be able to cover most things. If its working on tools or hiking through the bush. Link to my first aid kit

Secondly, does anyone have suggestions on somewhere for basic first aid training? I have no interest in becoming a paramedic, but some basic training would surely help.

I guess the other thing, is does anyone have any other suggestions for a better first aid kit that is still value for money? (Although, you can't put money on your health).

Thanks!

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  pao2x on 02/04/2018 - 11:24

  First aid is knowledge first, equipment is a secondary

  www.firstaidforfree.com you'll get useful online info

  http://www.stjohnnsw.com.au/learn-first-aid-for-you/w1/i1004… for recognised first aid qualifications, actual training (paid). Or your local TAFE

  Also download a free first aid book and printing might go a long way
  https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/pdfs/pfa1d.pdf?v=1
  https://www.survivalfirstaidkits.net.au/handbook-download

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  akaakmdm on 02/04/2018 - 11:32

  For first aid training, St Johns Ambulance is well regarded but their courses are pricey. Thankfully, lots of companies run inexpensive first aid courses that are accredited and give you a "Provide First Aid" certificate. I think I've seen them run for about $60 and since you get the organisations have to be accredited to give the cert, they should cover all the topics required under that.

  Just google "Provide First Aid"

  A first aid kit is useless if you don't know what to do with the items inside. Your kit seems fine though as far as the basics are concerned.

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  fossilfuel on 02/04/2018 - 12:00

  +1

  Agree with the first couple of posters. First aid knowledge first then address the content of the kit.

  I normally carry 2 kits; 1 large leisure kit from St John and a smaller kit for my backpack.

  My large kit contains everything you have in your leisure kit but has twice/three times the amount of stuff since I volunteer for St John. Kit wise, your one should be fine to treat most basic trauma related injuries. Good idea to add some medication to your kit e.g Paracetamol, lozenges, antihistamines, antacids etc depending on your usage. The bandaids in your kit look pretty cheap and will probably fall off quite easily. I recommend that you go to Aldi or any pharmacy and pickup some bandaids if you don't have any. Check that the gloves in your kit fit you, if not, see if you can buy some that fit or nick some from work. Buy a small bottle of hand sanitiser to go with your kit. Good practice is to wash your hands/sanitise before and after treating someone.

  My small kit contains gloves, medication, pads, bandages, saline, antiseptic wipes etc but in small quantities enough to take care of 5 injuries at most.

  Have a look at the large leisure kit and see if you're missing anything you think is important. First aid supplies have an expiry date (especially gels and medication) so there's no need to go buy everything unless you're going to use it.

  Feel free to ask me questions about first aid courses and first aid kit inventory.

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  try2bhelpful on 02/04/2018 - 12:33

  The other thing to consider is if the things in your first aid kit are in good order and are in "use-by-date", e.g if you have head ache tablets, bandaids, etc. If something is used, or out of date, then replace it.

  I have done a few first aid courses over the years but you still lose the info if you don't keep refreshing your knowledge. Make sure you have a first aid app on your smartphone so you have a reference. It is easy to get confused when you are in a stress situation.

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  Kangal on 02/04/2018 - 12:57

  Most (like 95%) of First Aid Kits are pointless. For emergency you sort of need to think military.

  Eg/ Sharp knife, scalpel, Clean water, lots of wrap bandage/gauze, non-sticky dressing, Cling Wrap, tourniquet, gloves, suture, Iodine, Alcohol, Antibiotics, Ibuprofen, Antihistamine….

  However, it really depends on the environment/situation you put yourself in. I mean, you wouldn't need "Ice Packs" in Alaska nor would you need Alcohol in Mt Druitt.