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In this video we look at first aid kits. All first aid kits include gloves, these normally would be vinyl or nitrile gloves as most don't tend to have latex gloves because of allergy problems. Gloves are usually in a sealed bag or in a cardboard box.

Also included in the first aid kit is a face shield which you would use if you need perform rescue breaths, these are to protect you and the patient from potential infection and go over the mouth of the patient with a valve that you breath through to provide the breaths.

Plasters are a standard in first aid kits, ideal for minor injuries these come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is important to keep plasters clean and dry, if you are removing one from the first aid kit to use it, make sure that you don't contaminate the box with blood.

If the wound is too large for a plaster, you can use a gauze pad to cover the wound and sticky tape (micropore tape) to hold it in place.

Tubular bandages can be used for finger injuries, when used with an applicator they are easy to put on as demonstrated in the video and secure in place with micropore tape.  Other dressings may include eye pads that you can use to cover the eye and tie at the back of the head. Covering an eye can be quite scary for a child so take care.

The first aid kit will also include pressure dressings for dealing with serious bleeding, there use will be covered in more detail during the course.  These are sterile dressings, so you will need to check that they are still sealed and in date.

First aid kits also have moist wipes that can be used to clean up a wound such as a small cut or graze.  Triangular bandages are also part of the kit, these would be used to sling or immobilise an injury, you will learn about the uses for these in the course.  Typically first aid kits also include safety pins which would be used to secure triangular bandages that have been used as a sling.

Saline solution can be used to dab, wipe or clean up a wound or to mop up blood. Other items you will find include scissors, these are usually blunt ended to they are safe to use, these are used to cut dressings when you need to.

First aid kits should be kept where they are easy for first aiders to access them but they should be kept out of the reach of children. If dressings are opened they can no longer be used and scissors (even blunt ended ones) should not be accessible for children.

Many kits have a first aid guide in them, these recap CPR and other useful information.  They may show you where the contents of the first aid kit are located.  You can print off the student manual that is is the download area of your course and keep a copy with your first aid kit for reference.

First aid kits usually come in a plastic box or sealed bag, kits should be kept dry, out of the reach of children, in a dust free environment where it is not too humid. Make sure they are clearly labelled and that all staff and parents know where it is kept.