Medical Supplies
Your gateway to expert advice on all things medical supplies
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October 25, 2023
You’ll find it in every household, every office, and even on public transportation. You probably go weeks to months at a time without thinking about it, but it’s always there when you need it most. Anyone can use it, but it helps to receive training for it. What is it?
If your guess was a crayon, you were close. The answer we’re looking for is a first aid kit.
First aid kits aren’t just recommended—they’re often mandatory. These kits are required to be stocked with the basic essentials and to have their supplies replaced with regularity. On top of this, first aid is more than a kit: it’s a skill to practice. In this article, we will go over different kinds of kits, what goes in them, and some first aid best practices.
What is the Purpose of a First Aid Kit?
It’s all in the name: this is the first aid that a person will receive after sustaining an injury, a wound, or any kind of physical harm. You may think that taking care of the wounded is the responsibility of first responders, such as emergency medical services, and you’re absolutely right. However, there can be a significant gap in time between calling 911 and the emergency services arriving. During that time, the person who sustained the injury will still be in pain and/or bleeding and will need to receive immediate medical attention. First aid kits are made available to treat the injured and wounded until first responders arrive and take over.
What are the Kinds of First Aid Kit?
First aid kits come in two classes, based on the number of supplies and the care it can provide:
Class A First Aid Kits: Simple kits with basic medical products that treat minor cuts, abrasions, and burns. These are recommended for low-risk environments, like households and offices.
Class B First Aid Kits: Upgraded kits with a larger variety of medical supplies to treat workplace injuries. These are recommended for high-risk environments, like warehouses and construction sites.
Beyond the two classes, there are additional varieties of first aid kits available for specific purposes. For instance, burn care kits are popular in environments where there is a high risk of sustaining burns. Trauma kits could be considered extreme first aid kits, as they contain supplies to treat life-threatening injuries.
First aid kits are typically made from high-strength plastic or heavy gauge steel. The kits are manufactured and tested to be resistant to various weather conditions, dust, and corrosion.
What Goes in a First Aid Kit?
The American Red Cross has provided a list of essential items to keep in a first aid kit:
Item
Image
Purpose
2 Absorbent Compress Dressings (5" x 9")
Stops bleeding and covers wounds
25 Adhesive Bandages in assorted sizes
Stops bleeding and covers wounds
1 Adhesive Cloth Tape (30' x 1")
Adheres bandages together, holds dressings
5 Antibiotic Ointment Packets (1g each)
Treats minor cuts, burns, and abrasions
Cleans wounds, scrapes, and cuts
2 Packets of Aspirin (81mg each)
Mild to moderate pain relief
Keeps people warm during emergencies
1 Breathing Barrier with a one-way valve
Prevents disease transmission for safe CPR
Reduces pain and swelling
Handles biohazardous substances
2 Hydrocortisone Ointment Packets (1g each)
Treats irritated skin and burns
Stops bleeding and holds dressings in place
Stops bleeding and holds dressing in place
5 Sterile Gauze Pads (3" x 3")
Cleans, dresses, and preps wounds
5 Sterile Gauze Pads (4" x 4")
Cleans, dresses, and preps wounds
Oral Thermometer, non-mercury and non-glass
Reads people's body temperature
Holds dressings in place or supports limbs
Grabs and handles tiny particles
Emergency First Aid Guide
Provides instructions on using the first aid kit
The contents of a first aid kit should be replaced upon the expiration date, every six months, or as needed.
What are Some First Aid Best Practices?
A first aid kit may have most everything you’d need in an emergency, but it’s only as good as the people who use it. As was mentioned earlier, first aid isn’t just a product category, it’s a lifelong skill. If you have a moment, go over the items in your first aid kit to remind yourself what they’re used for. The less time you need to spend remembering how to use a kit, the quicker you can treat the individual needing help.
You can customize your first aid kit if you need to attend to special needs. For instance, if one or more people in your area have a peanut allergy, stock your kit up with a few EpiPens. If there are diabetic concerns, load your kit with insulin and glucose packets. Basic kits serve general purposes, so feel free to tailor your kit to your area’s specific needs.
Furthermore, get trained in emergency response. Take a class on administering CPR, or how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), or how to apply a tourniquet. This way, you can provide immediate treatment for the injured as everybody waits for the emergency crews. Just remember that when somebody’s life is on the line, a few seconds to minutes can make all the difference.
Finally, form a disaster plan. You cannot account for all the possibilities, but if you outline step-by-step instructions for when things go south, you’ll save yourself from a heap of trouble. Besides, in emergency situations, people trust in those who know what they’re doing (or at least look like they know what they’re doing).
Final Thoughts
First aid kits are essential for any home, workspace, and even for public transportation. They won’t replace a hospital, but that’s also the point: they provide basic medical care until the professionals come and take the reins. You should familiarize yourself with the contents of a kit and what they’re used for. Additionally, you should build your first aid skills so you can provide adequate aid during those first few, critical minutes. You’ll be a hero to your friends, family, and coworkers, and who knows, you may even save a life.
For further reading on our medical supplies, take a look at our article going over our selection of antiseptic wipe products and their recommended uses.
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October 30, 2019
Antiseptic Wound Wipes are the oldest, easiest, and most convenient way to sterilize wounds on the skin. These are designed for single-use and effectively sanitize the wounds without any risk of cross-contamination. The wipes are individually packed into single packets making them easy to carry in small first aid kits or bags.
Common uses of antiseptic wound wipe
The antiseptic wipes are used for sterilizing as they kill germs effectively. They work well on any surface that needs sterilization. The wipes are also used for cleaning wounds, aiding in catheter procedures, and preparing the skin for surgery. The Antiseptic Wound Wipes are essential components in every first aid kit and healthcare clinic. In every case, it is important to consult your healthcare practitioner to maintain the necessary safety precautions.
What are the different types of antiseptic wipes?
Towelettes: Towelettes are Benzalkonium Chloride wipes and are generally used as skin disinfectants that cleanse wounds effectively. These are ideal for use against fungi, viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. In hospitals, the towelettes are usually used to prepare the skin before using a catheter. The Benzalkonium Chloride wipes do not dry the skin like the alcohol wipes and are not messy either. Thus they are ideal for use on tender skin.
Alcohol Prep Pads: The alcohol pads are used to clean the area surrounding wounds. They should not be applied directly to open wounds as direct contact with wounds can cause unnecessary damage and irritation. This can also result in a delay in the wound’s healing process. These pads can be used to prepare unbroken skin. They also work great in disinfecting medical equipment such as scissors and thermometers. The alcohol pads are very effective in removing ink from fabrics and can help ignite a fire in emergencies.
Iodine Prep Pads: These pads are popularly used as topical antibiotics and are great sterilizing and cleansing agents. They have a povidone-iodine solution which is practically painless as it does not cause pain even when applied on open wounds. The only downside to the usage of these pads is that they can be messy and thus are difficult to use with catheters. Before using the iodine prep pads, one should perform a patch test as some people are allergic to iodine.
Antiseptic wipes are an essential piece of any home or office first aid station. For all your medical supply needs, visit the medical supplies section of PackagingSuppliesByMail.com. We are a complete source of antiseptic products, medical bandages, burn care products, first aid kits, and other medical essentials.
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October 21, 2019
Back Pain is a health condition that many people suffer and if neglected can worsen and lead to extreme pain and inability of the muscles to function. Most people prefer over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain but that is only temporary and tends to come back again. Orthopedic doctors therefore recommend the use of heat or ice compress to naturally relax the muscles.
Both the Hot and Cold Compresses treat the muscles differently and therefore it is necessary to understand what kind of back injury needs the treatment, followed by the selection of Hot/Cold therapy.
Hot Compresses provide warmth to the pain area and loosen up the back muscles while relieving tension. Heat improves circulation of blood to the area and facilitates flexibility. They are recommended for muscle aches resulting due to a lot of physical moving and heat works well for stiffened muscles and muscle spasms.
Heat therapy can be applied in two forms: Moist heat and Dry heat. The aim of this therapy is to provide warmth and not too hot temperature to the affected area. Moist heat includes hot baths or steamed towels and takes lesser time to heal. On the contrary, dry heat involves the use of Heating Packs or Saunas that are comparatively easy to apply than the moist ones.
When to avoid?
Heat therapy must not be used if the area is:
- Swollen
- An open wound
Also, heat therapy must be avoided by people who are suffering from vascular diseases, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, dermatitis and deep vein thrombosis.
Cold Compresses also known as Cryotherapy, works by controlling the amount of blood flowing to the area which results in reduced swelling and relief in pain. Cold compresses can help relieve back pain if used every thirty minutes until the pain is relieved. If using at home, the dry ice packs are ideal to use as they are easily available.
Cold Therapy can be applied in different ways, by using Ice Massage, Coolant Sprays, Ice Packs and Ice Baths. Most commonly, the Ice-Cold Packs are used by people as they are easy to apply.
When to avoid?
It is not recommended for people with sensory disorders as well as people suffering from stiff muscles or joints as it would worsen the condition. The Cold Therapy must also be avoided if the user is detected of poor blood circulation.
Some back problems may require a combination of both – Heat and Cold Therapy. This includes applying Cold Compress initially followed by application of Hot Packs an hour later until the pain subsides. However, if the condition is severe, it is always recommended to visit an Orthopedic doctor before trying any of these therapies to achieve better and instantaneous results.
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June 10, 2019
The major reason for infections such as the H1N1 flu, Viruses and its further spread are the contaminated hands, which go unnoticed. This is why proper hand hygiene is of utmost importance to maintain a healthy environment. Washing of hands is always not possible with soap and water as it may not be handy every time when one needs them. That's when the Hand Sanitizers come to the rescue.
How is Safetec Hand Sanitizer different?
Sanitizers contain alcohol that kills the germs and bacteria that may be otherwise resting on the hands. However, some studies show that continuous use of Instant Hand Sanitizers leave the hands super-dry due to the same content of alcohol.
As important it is to wash your hands every time before you touch a baby, after using restroom and before touching food, hands are prone to getting dry and develop cracks when exposed to continuous washing and drying, which can also cause dermatitis (a skin condition which results in burning, irritating and cracked skin).
However, not with Safetec Instant Hand Sanitizer, as they work extra soft on hands leaving them soft and moisturized.
Safetec Instant Hand Sanitizer contains Aloe vera and that makes a difference. Aloe vera has a natural moisturizing element that maintains the moisture on the hands even after constant application of the sanitizer. While the alcohol evaporates off, the Aloe vera forms a protective layer leaving the hands soft and smooth.
To be effective in killing germs, sanitizers must contain at least 60% of alcohol but not all sanitizers contain Aloe vera that takes care of the softness of the hands like Safetec Instant Hand Sanitizer.
How to use Hand Sanitizers correctly?
Instant Hand Sanitizers are not a replacement but a great alternative to washing of hands in case when soap and water are not readily available. To ensure the Sanitizer is effective, one must first make sure that the hands do not have any visible dirt or grime. Then, take a palm-full of the sanitizer and apply it vigorously in between the hands, distributing it generously and evenly on the palms, also don't forget to get it between fingers, on the wrists, under your jewelry, and on the back of the hands. Rub the product nicely and let it dry before it is good to go.
Take care to not rinse the hand with water or use a towel after applying a Hand Sanitizer as it will negate the effect of the product.
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May 13, 2019
Wearing protective gear is a must in the medical field for obvious reasons. Medical professionals need to be well-protected from pathogens and other contaminants that may cause allergies and infections as they are mostly exposed to bodily fluids and harmful chemicals. An important type of protective gear is the disposable medical glove that provides protection to the hands against harmful substances including medical equipment, blood borne pathogens and hazardous chemicals.
There are two major types of medical gloves available - surgical gloves and exam gloves. Each of the glove types is meant to serve a specific purpose while both aim at protecting the wearers' hands from cross-contamination.
Surgical Gloves - These gloves are usually worn by surgeons and other supporting staff who come in direct contact with sharp tools, blood, infections and substances that could possibly cause extreme health conditions. Most of the healthcare professionals choose nitrile gloves over other types of medical gloves available on the market due to their high-puncture resistance and durability.
Exam Gloves - Healthcare professionals who work as caregivers such as physicians also need to wear gloves that protect themselves from cross-contamination during general examination and procedures. The medical exam gloves are available in latex, vinyl and nitrile with a varied thickness to choose from. For the exam gloves, it is not mandatory to look for the highest quality or thickest material.
Let us understand the characteristics of latex, vinyl and nitrile gloves.
- Available in powdered and powder-free varieties
- Amazing fit
- Great sensitivity to touch
- Extremely flexible
- Moderate protection
- Can cause skin allergies and irritation
- Made from PVC
- Cost-effective
- Comfortable fit and soft texture
- Free from latex
- Sensitive to touch
- Adequate protection
- Not much durable
- Free from protein and latex
- Highly resistant to chemicals
- Puncture-resistant
- Do not cause allergy
- Extremely durable
- High protection
Powdered and Powder-free Medical Gloves
Latex gloves were once the only preferred choice for medical professionals. They often feature a powder coating on the surface to make putting them on and off quick and easy. However, after prolonged use the powder was observed to have caused skin irritation. It also caused respiratory problems if the wearer accidentally inhaled the powder. So, for those who have an allergy to the powder, powder-free gloves entered the market that are as durable and protective as their powdered counterparts.
Allergies to latex are common due to which healthcare practitioners avoid buying latex medical gloves. For those who do not have an allergy towards latex may develop them after frequent use. Thus, to eliminate the risk of allergens, powder-free nitrile gloves or vinyl gloves can be used as they offer a firm grip and soft feel while also being durable enough and preventing cross-contamination.
Why are Nitrile Gloves so popular?
Nitrile works soft on the skin even when worn for extended periods and glides in comfortably. The material provides improved tactility and the soft texture of these gloves enhances the grip while also reducing the surface friction considerably. Nitrile gloves are a great replacement to the latex gloves as they are very cost-effective and provide more dexterity and durability. Nitrile is also more resistant to chemicals and reduces sweat and skin irritation to a great extent. Moreover, nitrile gloves are environment-friendly as the cost of disposal of these gloves is significantly less when compared to the latex counterparts.
To conclude, it is important to select a medical glove type that suits to your specific requirements and offer the level of protection required for particular tasks. Browse for a large variety of medical gloves and other safety gloves at https://www.packagingsuppliesbymail.com/industrial-gloves
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March 18, 2019
What is Heat Stress?
When an individual is exposed to extreme heat or works in a high-temperature environment, he is prone to heat stress that can lead to occupational injuries or illnesses. Workers involved in outdoor jobs or jobs that emit a lot of heat such as bakeries, farming, mining, fire-fighting, and others, are majorly affected by heat stress.
Occupational hazards due to heat stress
Heat stress can result in serious injuries like heat stroke, heat rashes, heat cramps or heat exhaustion. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries caused by dizziness, fogged-up safety glasses or sweaty palms. Employees can also get burns if they accidentally encounter hot metallic surfaces.
Apart from the physical injuries enlisted above, it has also been proved by many research studies that heat stress causes workers to commit mental errors when the temperature rises above 95°F. A NASA study reveals that if the temperature is 95°F or above for an extended period of time, people usually make 60 mistakes per hour, without even realizing it. The mental fatigue is caused due to a disturbance in the human body’s natural, primary cooling system. At temperatures above 90-95°F, the human body loses its natural tendency to release internal energy which results in overheating and dehydration of the body. This consequently causes physical discomfort and fatigue along with diminished cognitive thinking skills which thereby hampers workers’ productivity at their jobs.
How to prevent heat stress injuries?
Train workers: Training is an important part of industrial workers as it prepares their minds to recognize and understand their job environment. It also helps them spot and treats heat stress injuries at the earliest to prevent further damage.
Equip heat stress relief products: Safeguarding workers' interests by ensuring proper medical aid at workplace is an important factor in motivating them. Equip essential medical supplies including Heat Stress Relief Products and Burn Care Products to provide immediate first aid in case of an emergency.
Provide plenty of water: Keep water in convenient locations to prevent workers from dehydration during work.
Schedule short, frequent breaks: Plan your work schedule so that every worker gets a sufficient amount of break-in air-conditioned or shaded areas. You can also equip Instant Cold Packs in the break area to soothe the workers' heat stress.
We cannot avoid heat; however, we can take preventive measures to control its effect. Certain environments require high temperatures and manual labor must be there to accomplish tasks. We can care for the employees and protect them from hazards by having optimum safety supplies and first aid medical kits. There are a variety of medical supplies, safety gear and industrial supplies, you can visit the online store and build your cart now!
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June 04, 2018
Every office, household and even industries have a first aid kit lying somewhere. Public transportation too is mandatorily carrying medical kits, which are made easily available for the passengers in cases of emergencies. Whether it be an educational institution, corporate office or manufacturing plant, preliminary stages of training during introduction involves first aid training as it the very basic of healthy survival in society.
The First Aid Kits and Supplies are made available with the following features:
- Available in different models
- Available in different capacities
- Have the capacity to facilitate small to large groups of people
- Available with a wide range of first aid products
The material of the first aid kits (heavy gauge steel)provides the following properties:
- Dust resistance
- Weather resistance
- Rust resistance
The boxes have a hinge based handle that allows the first aid kits to be mounted on walls, making them easily accessible in case of an emergency. This feature is an extremely important part of the product, as ease of access cannot be compromised when it comes to emergencies.
The first aid boxes include:
- Plasters
- Eye dressings
- Triangular bandages
- Scissors
- Sterile Gloves
- Safety Pins
- Tweezers
- Crepe bandages
- Sticky tapes
- Alcohol free wipes
- Antiseptic cream etc.
All the content of the first aid kits provided are ensured of complete sterility until and unless the packaging is found to be tampered with or opened.
PackagingSuppliesByMail.com strives hard to provide its consumers with the best quality of products and the first aid kits in their inventory are an example of their efforts. Visit packagingsuppliesbymail.com today and assure safety and emergency treatment at your offices and households at the market's best prices!
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October 31, 2017
Looking at the numbers of occupational hazards happening, one must be alarmed and save the delicate beautiful little senses in place. Job related eye injuries have even caused workers to lose their sight. Not only this, there is a huge cost bearing on the employers and insurance companies on workers' compensation costs. To prevent eye injuries, OSHA's standards require industrial workplaces to provide eye care protections to employees that would provide proper protection against chemical, medical, environmental, or radiological hazards.
What usually causes eye injuries at work?
- Flying objects are the most common elements to cause damage to the eyes. This may include nails, staples, dust, or cement that are either ejected by tools or blown by wind.
- Exposure to industrial chemicals can also cause damage to the eyesight. When the job demands constant exposure to cement powder, acids, fuels, or other certain chemicals, it may lead to mishandling or chemical reactions which may in turn harm the eyesight.
- Swinging objects from a fixed position are another reason for eyes getting hurt. For example, ropes, tree limbs, or chains can be destructive.
- Ultraviolet radiations are very harmful as they can lead to complete blindness when exposed to regularly.
How can eye injuries be prevented at workplace?
The best and probably the only way to protect the eyes from getting injured is to wear eye protection. Eye care protections are also recommended by OSHA standards as they have proven benefits across years. There are eye protections that are suited to specified duty. So, safety managers must determine the type of Eye Care Products they need to purchase for the maximum safety of their employees in the typical workplace environment. Every industry has its own unique requirements and must equip a type of safety gear that best suits its requirements. Moreover, the eye care products, especially the safety glasses and lenses must be approved and certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1.
Although you stay protected, there are chances that you get hurt accidentally when your eyes undergo unbearable pain and need quick relief. Having Eye Sterile Pads, Eye Drops, and Sterile Eye Wash at your reach is essential as these are clinically approved products for industrial use. To stay protected from foreign materials, covering the eyes with eyecups or eye pads is recommended. At the end of the day, it is better to add eye solutions to eye pads and cover the eyes with them for a relaxing night's sleep and recovery of any damage caused.
At PackagingSuppliesByMail.com, we ensure that industrial workers have all the accessories to safeguard their interests at workplaces. Our products are essentially made from good quality material and do not cost heavy on the pockets of users. So, buy our eye care products now to build a healthy workplace and promote good health.
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October 25, 2017
Flames and extreme heat are no play and burns caused by them give unbearable pains. So, in this blog we will introduce to you a few products that must essentially be a part of your first aid kit. Burns can happen anywhere - at home or at the workplace and one must be rightly equipped with products that act effectively to reduce the damage. Also, if not treated properly, there can be bad scars on your skin that will accompany you lifelong and that's exactly what you would never want.
Which Burn Care Products Do You Need?
Our Burn Care Products include Spenco® Moist Burn Pads, Water-Jel® Burn Dressings, First Aid Burn Cream, and Complete Burn Kits. We also stock a good number of Water-Jel® Burn Spray/Jel that is easy to apply over untouchable wounds. We, at PackagingSuppliesByMail.com, have a natural instinct to pack safety for our customers and our Safety and Medical Supplies are excellent sources of ensuring the safety of individuals both at home and at work. In case you have missed our previous blog on Back, Wrist and Elbow supports, you can read it here – What Organ Protectors are Essentially Required at An Industrial Workplace?
These Burn Care Products are great to travel with as they accompany you in case any incidence happens during travel where you don't have access to any medical facilities. While the burn pads soothe the burnt area, theWater-Jel® Burn Jel/Spray speeds up the healing process and prevents bacterial infection on the wound. Also, for speedy recovery and lesser pain, we recommend using Instant Cold Packs and Reusable Cold Gel Packs that are very effective burn care essentials. They have proven their effectiveness in multiple cases. Cold/heat therapy products are often used when the injuries require a cool or warm surrounding temperature to be relieved of pain.
Being equipped with Emergency Burn Care Products you can save reckless injuries as the saying goes - 'Prevention is better than cure.' The PackagingSuppliesByMail.com team ensures that its customers are safe wherever they are - at a work place, at home or in travel. So, do not waste any minute and order our Burn Care Products now!
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