Why first aid kits are lifesavers
Police officers are most likely to be the first to arrive at an incident scene, officers can wear a first aid pouch containing basic life-saving equipment, like medical gloves, CPR mask, and antiseptic wipes. These are useful while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
Importance of first aid
- First aid facilitates quick recovery
First aid can have a huge impact on a patient’s recovery and can mean the difference between them having a short-term or more permanent disability.
- First aid reduces hospital time
Early intervention with first aid can reduce the length of time the patient needs to stay in the hospital. It prevents a patient’s medical situation from deteriorating. Knowing the basics of first aid can prevent a bad situation from getting worse. For example, a patient who is bleeding from a deep cut, without intervention, the patient could suffer severe blood loss. By applying pressure with basic first aid techniques, a cop can help stabilize the patient until further medical help arrives.
- First aid can reduce unnecessary visits to the hospital
Every accident needs medical attention but not all accidents end up in hospital. Some minor injuries such as a bumped head or sprained ankle can be better managed with the correct technique such as competent bandaging, rest, or swelling reduction with a wrapped ice pack. First aid training also helps a cop or any other individual to prioritize injuries, giving the most seriously the best chance of survival.
- Competent first aid can reduce the amount of pain experienced by casualties
Knowing how to respond helps a cop to stay calm in an emergency. It is important and advisable for a first aid giver to remain calm. Staying calm allows you to provide emotional support to a patient and help prevent them from panicking. This is a highly effective form of pain relief. Also, knowing how to physically move someone in pain, take care of their injuries, and administer appropriate bandaging and dressings can also greatly reduce the amount of pain a patient might experience.
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