Accidents do not schedule themselves. They just happen. One moment, you are cutting vegetables for your meal preparation. Next, you are a part of the cast of a horror movie. Whether at home, in your workplaces, or the outdoors, sometimes you never know when someone will get hurt,t and having a first aid kit can make you a lifesaver. Here is how to be prepared for the unexpected moments in life.
Importance of First Aid
Basic life saving isn’t as simple as tying a bandage – it is about making a difference when time is of the essence. Sometimes it is a matter of preventing an injury from becoming worse. Other times, it is to keep a person stable until a medical professional arrives.
Having the right supplies gives you the power to act confidently. For workplaces, schools, or other companies, it would be wise to bulk order first aid supplies for organizations to prepare for the worst. Now, let’s discuss how these supplies can be useful in case of unexpected injuries.
Sprains, Strains, and Tears
Muscle and ligament injuries such as sprains, strains, and tears are not very rare occurrences, especially in the active workplace. When a person twists a limb incorrectly or overstretches a muscle, one is supposed to immobilize the affected area, elevate it, and then apply ice and bandage to reduce swelling. Cold packs and elastic bandages are some of the items that are needed in such situations.
Soreness and Pain
When a person is complaining of general body aches or pains, it is crucial to consider it as a serious issue. At times, it is just a result of bad posture, repeated movements, or an improper setup of the workstation. Applying pressure to the area can help to alleviate the pain but if the pain persists or intensifies, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. In the meantime, it is possible to use painkillers, hot/cold packs, and orthopedic supports to treat symptoms.
Bruises and Contusions
Bruises are formed when one experiences a knock or impact that leads to inflammation and the formation of the black and blue skin color. It is important to note that there are over-the-counter drugs that can be used to reduce the pain. To speed up the process of healing, you can roll a warm water bottle over the bruise to facilitate circulation and the removal of the blood by the body. Perform this mild treatment several times to minimize the pain and discoloration.
Cuts, Lacerations, and Punctures
These are some of the cuts one can experience; they are of different seriousness and require treatment. First, wash the skin with water and mild soap, then use an antiseptic to avoid infection. To do this, clean the wound, apply sterile gauze, and then cover it with adhesive tape. If bleeding, apply direct and firm pressure on the affected area. When making deeper punctures, do not try to take out any object that has been driven in; let a professional do it.
The accidents are unforeseeable, but the response can be controlled and planned. Whether it is a sprain or a scratch, it is always handy to have basic supplies to treat the injured part at the initial stage. First aid items are handy in almost all circumstances, whether to help alleviate the pain, prevent germs from spreading, or wait for an ambulance. Therefore, stock up, be updated, and be prepared to act when an injury occurs.
MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy).
I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.