Thursday, 30 August 2012

Information On Triage Kits And Crisis Supplies

By Eric Holm


Triage is defined as the act of supplying support to individuals who may be sick or injured, but who cannot wait for qualified medical professionals. Doctors and nurses will be in short supply during a crisis, and everyday civilians may be called upon to care for others. This support will vary depending on the seriousness of the injury. During a disaster or a large scale accident, true medical professionals will be very busy and unable to attend to everyone who needs their services. This is where effective triage kits will come into play.

Understand that simply having the appropriate supplies available is not enough to guarantee a relevant medical response. These items will be of little use if a caregiver is not prepared to utilize the supplies correctly. If a disaster strikes, the first individuals on the scene tend to be police, fireman, paramedics, and perhaps community volunteers. During these chaotic and dangerous circumstances, and effective triage set up may be the difference between life and death for many people. An ideal kit will contain all of the relevant emergency items that may be necessary for alleviating a traumatic situation. A few basic items that should be available are stretchers, safety vests, and colored tape. Some may have severe injuries that must be addressed by a qualified hospital. Body bags are a great addition to any set of supplies. Understand that body bags are not only for carrying a corpse. These bags, which are typically 90 inches long and 36 inches wide, can be used to carry an injured person to the closest medical center. They are very durable and they can be folded to fit into a tight storage space.

Most of these kits will come equipped with a book or a pamphlet that will help the caregiver in setting up a triage unit. They may also offer tips and methods on performing some of the more common medical procedures. It is also a great idea to add first aid books and knowledge of CPR to the situation. Another ideal item is portable stretchers. These stretchers can be important for quickly evacuating patients who may be gravely injured. Another great item is solar blankets. These can be vital for areas that tend to be cold, especially during the winter months. These tactics and items need to be understood by common civilians who may be the first to respond during a natural disaster.

Many may overlook this important information and the necessary medical supplies. This is understandable, as the need for using a triage kit will typically mean a grave or dangerous situation that is not pleasant to consider. Remember that these items are important for your well being, as well as the care of your family, friends, and neighbors. Be prepared to work with others to set up stations to offer relief for those who may be suffering. A prepared and organized group of caregivers will be able to separate those who need professional help, and those who can be helped through basic first aid tactics.

All first responders and concerned civilian volunteers should be prepared at all times to provide basic care to those around them. Never ignore this information with the thought that a disaster or accident will never happen. At the very least, select one of many triage kits to keep in the home and even in the car. Even if its use never becomes necessary, it will still provide peace of mind.




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