First Aid Basics: How to Properly Use Every Tool in Your Medical Kit

1. Bandage

Purpose: Bandages are mainly used for dressing wounds, immobilizing injured areas, reducing bleeding, or protecting wounds from external infection.

How to use:

  • Clean the wound and cover it with sterile gauze.
  • Start wrapping the bandage below the injured area and work your way up, overlapping each layer by about a third.
  • Make sure the bandage is not too tight to avoid restricting blood circulation.
  • Once wrapped, ensure the bandage is securely fastened and kept clean.

2. Thermometer

Purpose: Used to measure body temperature and help assess whether there is a fever or other issues.

How to use:

  • After cleaning the probe, turn on the thermometer.
  • Place the probe under the tongue or in the armpit, wait for the beep to signal that the reading is ready.
  • After taking the temperature, clean the probe, turn off the thermometer, and record the temperature.

3. Tourniquet

Purpose: A tourniquet is used to temporarily stop blood flow in cases of severe bleeding when other methods are ineffective.

How to use:

  • Apply the tourniquet above the wound, at least 5 cm from the injury.
  • Tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops.
  • Record the time the tourniquet was applied and seek medical help immediately.

4. Sterile Gauze

Purpose: Used to cover open wounds to prevent infection and absorb blood or fluids.

How to use:

  • After cleaning the area around the wound with a disinfectant, place the sterile gauze over the wound.
  • Secure the gauze with tape or a bandage to prevent movement.

5. Medical Tape

Purpose: Used to secure gauze, bandages, or other dressings in place.

How to use:

  • After securing the gauze, use medical tape to firmly hold it in place.
  • If the skin is sensitive, opt for hypoallergenic tape.

6. Scissors

Purpose: Scissors are used to cut bandages, gauze, or clothing to expose the injured area.

How to use:

  • Ensure the scissors are sharp and clean.
  • Carefully cut the clothing or bandages to access the injury for treatment.

7. Alcohol Pads/Iodine Swabs

Purpose: Used to clean the area around a wound to prevent infection.

How to use:

  • Open the package and use the alcohol pad to clean the skin around the wound.
  • For deeper wounds, use iodine swabs for further disinfection.

8. Splint

Purpose: Used to immobilize broken bones to prevent further injury.

How to use:

  • Select the appropriate size splint and place it on both sides of the broken limb.
  • Use bandages or cloth strips to secure the splint without over-tightening.
  • After securing, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

9. Medical Gloves

Purpose: Worn while handling wounds or patients to prevent cross-contamination.

How to use:

  • Take out a pair of gloves, ensuring your hands are clean.
  • Carefully wear the gloves to avoid tearing them. Dispose of them immediately after use.

10. Eye Wash Solution

Purpose: Used for rinsing eyes in case of foreign objects or chemical exposure.

How to use:

  • Open the eye wash solution bottle and keep the eyes open.
  • Gently pour the solution into the eye, washing for at least 15 minutes.
  • After rinsing, seek medical help, especially in cases of chemical exposure.

11. Cold/Heat Packs

Purpose: Cold packs are used to reduce swelling and relieve pain, while heat packs are used to relax muscles and promote blood circulation.

How to use:

  • Cold Pack: Apply the cold pack to the swollen or injured area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
  • Heat Pack: After heating, place it on the painful or stiff area, also limiting the time of use.