Saturday, July 19, 2014

Triage Kits And Their Contents Can Be Used To Save Lives

By Eric Holm


Triage kits are similar to traditional first aid kits but they are designed to be used in a major disaster that involves multiple victims. The term triage defines the process of assessing injuries to determine which are in need of the fastest attention. This system is used anytime help is needed in a remote area on rough terrain or when there are more people in need of assistance than there are rescue personnel. The goal is to treat as many patients as quickly as possible.

Emergency supplies packed into this type of disaster kit are very familiar to most people but there are some items that are designed specifically to address the unique challenges presented when there are several victims to help at one time. Injuries must be quickly evaluated for severity. Some will be minor enough that treatment can wait awhile. Some victims are categorized as delayed. These people will need to go to a hospital but transport is not urgent. Other injuries will be so severe that transportation to the nearest medical facility must happen immediately. The deceased will be put into body bags and await transportation to the morgue after all living victims have been treated. Disaster supplies needed include brightly colored vests to identify rescue workers and various colors of tape to mark patient status. These medical first aid kits should include some type of emergency manual with advice about conducting a rescue operation.

Manuals explaining how to do CPR and provide treatment for a range of minor injuries should also be included in this type of first aid kit. One or two portable stretchers will be necessary if there are people with serious injuries that need to be carried away from the disaster scene.

Triage kits and their use are something most of us hope never to need. But imagine the moment arises that your community needs to set up an emergency triage unit and you're able to help. Nothing will feel more fulfilling in that situation. Being able to contribute supplies such as your trauma kit or solar blankets to keep the patients warm in the field operation will be invaluable to your community in its time of need.

All first responders will be familiar with analyzing injuries and prioritizing the need for treatment or transportation. During an earthquake, hurricane or flood, volunteers are often needed to help those who are injured. Learning the basics of offering assistance is something that everyone should take the time to do. There is no way of knowing when this knowledge can be used to save a life.




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