A first aid kit is a very important item that one must own. It is very useful whether at home or outside ones abode because accidents cannot be predicted thus with the use of the first aid kit, first aid treatments can be applied. This includes procedures such as CPR and defibrillation, and items like bandages and other more. As defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, first aid is an emergency treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained.

Dated from 1099, the first ever use of first aid was during the time of religious knights called the Order of St. John. These people were trained to administer medical treatment to help injured people. As often heard “necessity is the mother of invention”, the use of first aid since the early times is a great evidence of man’s necessity to treat the illnesses and injuries that he acquire.

The use of first aid became prominent especially to armies who were often injured during war. In 1792, the first official army corps which was formed by the French Army Surgeon General administered first aid to injured soldiers in the battlefield. Then in 1860, the Geneva Convention and International Red Cross were establish to help and protect with sick and injured soldiers in the battlefield. Over the years the use of first aid kit became popular that in 1967 Marines were asked to carry individual first aid kits which include bandages which can be used to treat themselves in case of injuries.

First aid kits need to be well stocked at all times in order to be able to use them properly and utilize their purpose. Latex gloves and bandages are two of the most important items needed in the first aid kit. Latex gloves are essential in touching bodily fluids such as blood and urine in order to avoid transmission of germs and viruses to the patient and the administrating the first aid. Bandages on the other hand are used mainly for small cuts and scrapes which are the common injuries suffered by soldiers, workers and even children. Sterile gauze bandages and tape bandages should also always be in the first aid kit as these are necessary in treating larger cuts and bloody noses as well as broken fingers.

Ipecac syrups which are given to patients who accidentally ingested poisonous substance and ammonia inhalants for fainting are also vital for a first aid kit. Other than bandages and the aforementioned, tools like all purpose scissors, splints, tweezers, safety pins, flashlights, recuse blankets, and cold packs should also be included in a first aid kit. Cellphones today are also considered to be an important item that should be included in a first aid kit.

As abovementioned, when and where accidents will happen cannot be predicted that is why it is important to be always ready with unexpected situations. With the help of first aid kits which include medical items such as bandages, first aid treatments may be administered to victims. Also, with the proper use of the medical kit, further damage to victims may be prevented and a life can even be saved. Thus, owning a first aid kit is very vital especially on facing inevitable circumstances.