Technical what to put in first aid kit

When I worked the "Grey Market" industry, Mercedes came with a complete first aid kit, Included a 3" piece of chalk to outline the dead body.
Include in your "KIT" a decent pair of scissors

 

Whether it's part of a first aid kit or not I like to have a magnifying glass for those tiny slivers you get from the small air grinder and burr, and tweezer's of coarse.

 

obviously

 

Years ago I bought one of those $40 OSHA approved first aid kits for my shop. it hung there on the hook for nearly 10 years before I replaced it with a new smaller kit. The only thing I used out of that original kit was a few of the Band-Aids. Something to stop the bleeding is probably top priority. Good tweezers is a good thing to have around, along with a magnifying glass to see the little buggers and something to wash out your eyes. Past that, a good phone to call 911, and a safe place to sit, or lay until they get there.

BTW, I think you are suppose to replace those first aid kits every 2 years. After a longer time frame then that, the stuff that is suppose to stick doesn't and the stuff that is not suppose to stick does. Gene

 

A lot of good suggestions, many commercially available kits are very inclusive however I haven't seen anyone mention a resuscitation [Face shield] mask. These feature a one-way valve and protective membrane to minimise infection and fluid transfer during mouth to mouth. A handy disposable [Compact & single use] key-ring version is readily available and takes up minimum space in your kit.

 

A couple of small clean zip lock plastic bags.
For putting amputated fingers in so you can take 'em with you to the hospital.

Unless you cut all your fingers off, then you won't be able to pick 'em up.

 

I keep electrical tape in mine. Have had to use this in my trade for over 45 years for serious cuts.
Vic

 

I'd include a small flask of some good sour mash bourbon in case of snake bite.

 

Thank you all for your suggestions I ordered a kit somewhat like the one MR48 suggested, then added a lighted magnifying glass and eye wash solution. No cyanide pills as I dont want to give swmbo any ideas. I always have my cell phone out in the garage and the fire dept. ambulance is about 1 mile away. Not a lot of venomous snakes here so I will leave the booze in the house.

 

Finally duct tape was mentioned. You always need duct tape. It is one of the greatest inventions of all time.

 

I keep an IFAK kit in my gun range bag. In my shop, I have an old Band Aid box with assorted cloth type bandaids. But these don't last forever, time takes a toll on them. I usually fall back to blue paper towels and electrical tape for minor and intermediate cuts.

In the house, peroxide, Bactine, more bandaids, gauze pads and surgical tape. I have yet to super glue a cut, but have a bottle or 2 in my model car stuff.

 

Three mentions of tweezers, and I like the lit up magnifier. Sometimes I need a sterile exacto, or single edge to release the bugger.
Tho, may I point out that, when we work like we used to, ( you know, feeding the family ) no stinking sliver can penetrate our hide.
Serious tho need to keep a phone handy.
Safety Is No Accident At one time I was involved with a large utility. The prescription was that before beginning an operation,, preview the actions and consider the risks. Set about a plan to avoid being harmed.
My favorite move these days is to sit stare and lay out my next few steps.

 

I was talking to a guy just recently that suffered a house fire.
Luckily he had working smoke detectors so he his wife and grand kids got out unscathed. And the cats and dog he went back inside for !!!
he went back inside for the car keys so they could drive off the property and a few other things.

the fire department came and told him he was very lucky he didn’t succumb to the smoke.

we all take for granted what we do, I think I can say this with relative assurance that we have all done the “ safety squint “ when grinding
No mask when painting or using chemicals
Welding with no mask ( it’s just a tack )
Get cut and it’s a rag and tape and keep going
Etc etc.

Ive become much more aware of safety as I get older snd slot of what I just posted I no longer do as I know it’s one small thing can end up a life changing injury.

my point is we are exposed to dangerous situations all the time working on our cars and for most of us in our jobs that have become second nature and we don’t give it a sr one thought.

being aware of what your doing snd your surroundings when painting , welding , grinding , hoisting etc are just as important …. Actually MORE important then the first aid kit.

I like how a bunch of you posted of stuff getting old in the kit and needed ing replaced simply as it’s gotten old, your doing it right.

simply put don’t take safety for granted and you won’t need first aid.

 

Hey don't forget benadryl, or any generic diphenhydramine. And unless you have issues with aspirin, it's one of the first steps when you feel that chest tightness. It stops the clotting cascade and might be what saves your life.

 

A well stocked first aid kit should be in every car. I have had to play medic several times on fishing trips for cuts and scrapes from falls etc in remote areas of the Sierras with no cell phone service. Was glad to have them-plus addl water sterile cloths in a baggie etc.

 

A gloved hand placed over a wound with direct pressure has saved a lot of lives. Plus they help keep your hands clean when you gotta tackle that simple roadside repair. Throw a few pair in there.

 

^^ This--have several sets in all kits

 

The thing to remember is that no matter where you buy your "basic first aid kit" most folks add things to them along the ways such as the benaydryl or generic diphenhydramine.
Most kits need extra bandaids. At my last job we used very little out of the first aid kits except bandaids and were often getting the kit out to give a airline passenger a bandaid.
Years ago I was at a rod run and cut my hand pretty bad and a Truck driver who along with his wife had his truck parked in the camp area took me over and dug out his first aid kit and they bandaged me up. First truck I ever saw with a super sleeper/camper on it that was a complete living quarters on an over the road truck. He had a well equipped first aid kit in it.