Natural Disaster Trauma Turned Into Lesson
With the latest natural disasters, Hurricane Harvey, Irma, Maria, earthquakes in Mexico, everyone should be thinking of what will they do in such an emergency.
The death count was at least 70after Hurricane Harvey.At least 22 deathshave been caused by Hurricane Irmain the US. Not to mention over 2 million people were without power.
Relief efforts are being made underway by several companies including, Apple which recently gave 10 million dollars to help the states under such trauma. When we hear the word trauma what's the first word to your mind; Traumatic? Devastation? Wounded? Perhaps you think first aid or medical terminology.
When a natural disaster occurs, it can take hours or even days before emergency personnel can reach your location. Safety should be our first priority for our home, family, business. Let's make a shortlist of stuff today that you should have available in your first aid trauma kits so that you can be prepared for such events.
What Should Be In Your Trauma Kit?
Today you will learn what types of trauma kits there are and what makes it a good one for you.
For easy understanding, there are two types of trauma kits on the market.
Firstly, there are the cheap trauma kits that you can find in most online stores such as Amazon, Walmart, Costco. These can range from $20 to $200. What is normally included in them are plastic tools and lots of gauze. If this is what you're looking for then be sure you know what it is your buying and don't be surprised if the bag or kit you buy is half the size you thought it was.
Secondly, there are the trauma kits that are used in the EMS industry and they can go for $600 and up. These kits have lots of objects/devices that you won't typically use in the home and business, such as things to open up the airway or more and more gauze. They have great things in them as well but often need proper training to operate such devices.
Problems with these?
The biggest issue is too much gauze and not enough things that you actually need in a first aid kit. Most people are not trained on things you will find inside the kits which makes it hard for a person who actually cares about safety to be prepared.
If you're going to build your own first aid kit there are a few things that should take priority in your kit.
Top Three Injuries That Occur At Home and Work.
Think of these things when building your trauma kit: What are the potential injuries that could occur during a normal day scenario? What would I need if this (natural disaster) occurred?
1. Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains makeup 40% of home and work injuries. Most trauma kits come with some sort of ice pack. They work decently but only last a short period and you need to be careful not to leave them on too long. Make sure your kit has something that can deal with the swelling, inflammation, and bruising. It's also advisable to have something to keep a fracture from moving such as a moldable brace.
2. Bleeding
Have you gotten a paper cut? Even that tiny injury can create lots of pain for a person. Larger cuts and wounds occur every day and in your kit, there should be some sort of compress but not just gauze. Have I mentioned that EMS and first aid kits use way too much gauze? The issue is that it sticks to the wound and doesn't promote healing. It's much better to use non-adherent pads. They absorb blood better and it doesn't peel off your scab every time you go to change the bandage. There are other products as well that can stop bleeding instantly. For more info click here.
3. Burns
Burns can really be a burden whether they are from the sun or from getting up close and personal with a fire. Most people place their burns underwater but it induces the risk of infection since tap water isn't sterile. Is it better than nothing? yes, but we want the best. When looking through burn sprays and ointments realize that they typically just trap in the heat creating more damage. You need something that can pull out the heat. After testing dozens of sprays and gels we suggest Cool Blaze Burn Gel.
4. CPR
A fourth option we suggest in your kit (if you have had the proper training) is a good CPR mask. Some kits just come with mouth shields which don't give you much protection when it comes to vomit and other such things. A good CPR mask is also helpful because when the EMS arrives they can take over right away with no delay by hooking their pump to your mask.
In Conclusion
Know what you are buying and why you are buying it. Don't waste money on areas that aren't necessary but don't cheat yourself by paying for things cheap things that won't actually help in an emergency situation. You may even consider getting a nice organized bag that is easily accessible through various pockets vs a backpack with everything just mixed together and hard to find.
Remember that it's your training that will make the difference in any emergency situation. Disasters strike every day and it is up to you how much trauma it will cause in your life by being prepared or not.