[TheForge] first aid kits/supplies?

[Bruce Freeman]

Terry,

The Red Cross is a good source for first aid kits and information:
http://www.redcrossstore.org/shopper/ProdList.aspx?LocationId=2
If you click on a kit, it will provide a list of items that kit contains.

In my opinion, one flaw to most first aid kits is that they are hard
to open.  I work alone.  I need to be able to open a kit and get out
gauze pads and gauze roll - or adhesive tape - (to staunch blood flow)
ONE-HANDED.  Those two items at least should be in an easy-to-open
container.  Mine are in my bathroom medicine chest.

I probably don't have to tell you this, but having each person's
doctor(s), nurses, or other caregivers make suggestions as to what
they'd want in a kit might be very helpful.  You might even keep a
small supply of Rx drugs for each person - especially things like
epinephrine, asthma inhalers, and nitroglycerin, which, if needed, are
needed in a hurry.  Share information between yourselves as to
conditions or complications, like use of blood thinners.  Better yet,
wear a neck tag (NOT a wrist tag in the shop) listing all such things.
 That way when a problem occurs, anyone present will know the possible
complications involved.

Do not get an AED unless at least two, preferably more, of you are
trained in its use.  They're easy to use, but if used wrong can kill.
Remember too that older people with heart conditions can be saved
using CPR, BUT it can be hard work for the rescuers because
compression and rescue breathing may have to be continued until
professionals arrive to take over.  (If you stop, he dies.  An older
person's heart may not restart with an AED.)  The effort involved in
administering chest compressions can be hard enough that the rescuer,
if not himself in good shape, might also need a trip to the ER.*  The
right technique for administering chest compressions can make a big
difference in how much work it is, so training is essential.
Furthermore, if any of your number has osteoporosis or other such
debilitating conditions that leave the body frail, be SURE that he
WANTS to be resuscitated before doing chest compression.   When bones
are brittle, chest compression can shatter ribs leading to painful
lung injuries.  The person may survive the experience only to be in so
much long-term pain as to wish he had died.  Clearly this is an
individual choice, and, obviously, this you must establish this before
there's a crisis.

(*Okay, so they have an AED.  Why not a chest-compression machine to
administer chest compressions automatically?  Probably couldn't be
battery operated for long, but it couldn't be much more complicated
than an AED.)

Along these lines, you may want to consider equipping machinery with
extra guards, or to instill in everybody certain extra safeguards in
machine use.  (E.g.: Don't work alone.  Power down between uses.
Dismount blades and bits after use, or install a guard to prevent
contact.  Etc.)  I have a bad habit of moving lathe and tailstock
tooling out of the way when I don't need it now but expect to soon.
I've nicked myself a few times as a result simply due to clumsiness.
Fortunately, this is no big deal to me.  But procedures or mechanical
guards that help prevent such injuries in the first place might be
more important than the supplies in the first aid kit.

Kinda off the subject, but if anyone is allergic to insect stings,
it's nice to know that spraying DEET around a door edge and frame will
go far to keep insects out of the house or shop.  I do this all the
time when I spend time in a cabin with mosquitoes hanging around
waiting to come in.  It works on bees and wasps too.  Nicer than
having to go around wearing the stuff all the time.

It's late.  My mind's wandering.

On Sat, May 16, 2009 at 4:21 PM, terry l. ridder <terrylr at blauedonau.com> wrote:
> hello;
>
>
> i am putting together a first aid kit for the new shop and my first aid
> kit is looking more like a field hospital triage kit. part of that is
> just because of the disabilities that the people who will be using the
> shop all ready have. you are just not treating a cut off digit (whether
> it be finger or toe) you are treating excessive blood lose due to
> anti-coagulates the person is taking.
>
> what do others stock in their first aid kits? was thinking that i should
> order an automated external defibrillator or AED. what are your thoughts
> on having an aed in the shop space?
>
>
> --
> terry l. ridder ><>
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-- 
Bruce
NJ

The total lack of evidence is the surest sign that the conspiracy is working.