A first aid kit is a container used to store bandages and equipment to provide first aid. In emergencies, the first aid kit can provide life-saving assistance.
What is a first aid kit?
In addition to drivers, employers are also required by law to provide a first aid kit or first aid kit in the workplace. A first aid kit is also known as a Red Cross box or first aid kit. The container holds various bandages and materials suitable for administering first aid. In many countries, such as Germany, it is even compulsory to carry a first-aid kit in road traffic. This is regulated by the StVZO (Road Traffic Licensing Regulations), which refers to the first-aid kit as first-aid material. If a motorist violates the obligation to carry a first-aid kit, this can cost him a fine of between 5 and 25 euros. In addition to motorists, employers are also required by law to provide a first aid kit or first aid kit at the workplace. It can also be important at home. This is especially true if there are children.
Forms, types and types
A distinction is made between different types of first aid kits. Thus, they can be both movable metal or plastic containers and immovable containers or larger boxes. Immovable first-aid boxes usually have a correspondingly large and conspicuous marking so that they can be located quickly in an emergency. The standard symbol is a green background with a white cross. A typical feature of the first-aid kit is its design for lay helpers. Thus, professional emergency physicians, paramedics or paramedics are equipped with a special emergency kit. In contrast to the first-aid kit, the emergency kit has considerably more auxiliary material. Depending on the type of use and the number of people, the contents of the box are held according to certain standards in the form of DIN. If a first-aid kit does not contain a DIN specification, it is not considered to be correct. Differences in first aid boxes also exist in the possibility of opening them. First and foremost, it is important to have quick access in case of emergency.
Structure and mode of operation
Assembled, a first aid kit is made of metal or water-repellent plastic. However, there are some differences in shape and texture. In order to be recognized as a first aid kit in an emergency, the first aid kit must be quickly and clearly identifiable by certain features. There are some items of equipment and dressing materials that must be present in a first aid kit. These include first and foremost wound dressings, gauze bandages, compresses, plasters and triangular cloths. In order to be able to cut the dressing accordingly, special bandage scissors are also required. A first-aid kit should also include a rescue blanket, sterile disposable gloves made of latex or plastic, splinter tweezers and respiratory masks. As a rule, the box also contains a table of contents and first aid instructions for laypersons. This equipment is usually sufficient to provide first aid in an emergency. In the course of time, certain contents of the first aid kit also need to be replaced because they have passed their expiration date. For example, the adhesive on the wound dressings or plasters loses strength over time. In the case of a first-aid kit in the car, this process is exacerbated by high temperatures. Also to be noted is the expiration date on the dressing materials, which must also be replaced in good time. The same applies to materials that have been used in the field. Private motorists have the option of purchasing refill sets of new dressing materials. However, it is not always necessary to completely replace the entire Red Cross box. In order to be able to use a first-aid kit properly in an emergency, it is recommended to take a first-aid course. There, the course participant learns the appropriate use of the contents of the first aid kit.
Medical and health benefits
The health benefits of a first aid kit are very high. Thus, it can provide valuable services in an emergency, such as after an accident or traffic accident. Sometimes it is even possible to save lives.For example, the material can be used to stop bleeding, dress wounds or keep injured persons warm. First aid kits are used in various areas. They are mandatory in road traffic. There is an increased risk of traffic accidents. Special car first aid kits are available for drivers. It is important that they are equipped in accordance with DIN 13164, which also applies to commercial drivers who drive a truck, for example. In the event of an accident, first aid can often be administered in good time with the aid of the first aid kit. In this way, valuable time can be gained until the arrival of the rescue service or emergency doctor, who then takes over the further assistance of the accident victim. Accidents are also not uncommon in companies and businesses. A first-aid kit must be available at all times in order to provide rapid assistance. The size and contents of the first aid kit depend on the size of the company. The number of first aid kits also depends on the size of the company and the number of employees. First aid kits also play an important role in the care of sports injuries. Thus, accidents during sports activities take a large volume in this country. For this reason, the presence of first aid kits in sports facilities is urgently needed to provide rapid assistance in an emergency. Often, a first-aid kit can be used to treat the injured athlete to such an extent that he or she can then be transported safely to a doctor or clinic. Meanwhile, first aid kits for sports medical care are also available for different sports such as soccer, handball, martial arts, gymnastics or water sports.
