jeudi 25 juillet 2013

EMT Trauma Kits Can Save Lives

By Michael Obrien


Trainee emergency medical technicians should have kits available at all times in case they get to an emergency situation before the paramedics get there. It is therefore vital that they have their packs kitted out completely every time that they use them. EMT trauma kits can consist of just the basics or they can carry extensive medical equipment.

Trauma kits usually come standard with the essentials in them. If you are the first person to get to an emergency situation, you will know just how important it is that you have as much in your bag as possible. When arriving at an accident scene, as a trainee, you will be able to do some of the basic treatments before the paramedics arrive.

When putting your kit together, make sure that it comprises out of the splinting items, gloves, bandages and gauze. You will also need scissors and a burn blanket which can be used for patients who have suffered a serious injury. These are just a few of the basic items, and should be enough to assist in a minor incident. More advanced medics will have other equipment in their bags.

The most basic kit should contain gauze, bandages and splinting items. You would do well having a burn blanket, some scissors and something to keep a patient warm with, as oftentimes shock can cause an injured or traumatized person to become cold. By making sure that you have all the necessary equipment, you could save a life.

Be sure to have a couple of pairs of gloves in your kit as well and never tend to anyone without putting them on. This is a preventative measure and also a precautionary measure, so be sure to do this first and foremost. Remember to throw away used items after every trauma and never keep dirty equipment in your bag.

In the basic trauma kit, one will only find a few of the things you need to stabilize a patient. Usually you will have the basics for the procedures you need to get done. As a trainee medic, you should know what to do with basic equipment in a medic kit. It is your responsibility to make sure you know how to work with the items you have, and under no circumstances should you attempt something you are not trained in.

If you are in the emergency field, you will no doubt know what you should have in your basic kit. The extreme emergency kit which is found in ambulances, is obviously better equipped to carry out more extensive medical help. They should stock things like airway packs and chest seals.

EMT trauma kits will carry more of the highly require items such as chest seals as well as quick clot airway packs. These bags will be far better equipped than the normal basic kit which a trainee will carry around. In situations such as the Boston bombings, an emergency medical technician should have a medical kit which is properly equipped. It is vital to replace any used items after a scene, as you never know when they will be needed again. This is a vital step in keeping equipment up to date and in working order.




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