Describe the general features of a first aid box

Features While features vary depending on the type of the first aid kit, all first aid kits contain bandages, gloves, tweezers and pain killers. Wrapping bandages, duct tape, adhesive bandages, scissors, antihistamines, aspirin, antibiotic ointment and antiseptic towelettes are all common components. First aid equipment explained The various gauzes, dressings and bandages found in a first aid kit have different uses. Some of these include: • Adhesive strip dressings – small strips of gauze attached to a sticky backing. These dressings are used for minor cuts and skin injuries. In Australia, they are commonly called bandaids. It is important to be aware that some people are allergic to bandaids. • Non-adhesive dressings – best used for covering burnt or abraded (scraped or grazed) skin. Never use adhesive dressings on burnt or abraded skin. • Wound dressings – these thick pads are used to help control bleeding and reduce the risk of infection. Different sizes are needed for different-sized wounds. • Crepe or conforming bandages – these elastic bandages are used to create pressure, hold dressings in place, reduce swelling and provide some support. • Triangular bandages – these non-elastic bandages are used for slings, to hold splints in place and to restrict movement. • Sterile eyewash solution – used to flush eyelashes, insects, dust, sand or similar particles from the eye. Never attempt to remove an object that is embedded in or has penetrated an eye – in such an instance, seek urgent medical attention. • Gloves - Disposable glove offer an effective barrier against pathogens • Tweezers – Tweezers are small tools used for picking up objects too small to be easily handled with the human fingers. • Painkillers (analgesics) can generally be classified in three main categories: Paracetamol. Panado and Tylenol are well-known brand names. Aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) This group of drugs is effective against mild to moderate pain, and against fever and inflammation. • Antiseptics - Antiseptic are used for: Handwashing –chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone iodine solutions are often used in hand scrubs and hand rubs in hospital settings. Pre-operative skin disinfection – antiseptics applied to the operation site to reduce the resident skin flora.