10 Citical Emergency Medical Products for First Responders

Life is full of uncertainty. As soon as we step out of our house, and sometimes even when we are indoors, we may experience some unexpected situations. Facing these unexpected situations can be challenging for most people. For this reason, certain people are properly trained and certified to help people who are facing emergencies. These people are known as first responders. First responders are specialized personnel who respond to several kinds of emergencies. These first responders are trained to handle unexpected emergencies and are the first ones to arrive at the scene of any accident or emergency. The techniques used by first responders are often quite simple, yet they are most of the time lifesaving. Today we are going to discuss the 10 most critical emergency medical products that are must-haves for any first responders and help them to perform their duties in the best possible way.

Critical emergency medical products for first responders

Emergency responders

First responders use several products that help them to handle emergencies efficiently. These products contain a wide range of emergency medical supplies that are most often used in cases of accidents or emergencies and are often lifesaving. Following are the 10 most critical emergency medical products that are used by first responders.

• Emergency oxygen kit

In an emergency where a patient is unable to breathe properly, the first responders use emergency oxygen kits to provide oxygen to the patient. These oxygen kits consist of a mask, tubing, and cylinder. These kits provide high-flow oxygen to patients who are unable to breathe due to any injury. As it is highly significant that the patient keeps breathing till he gets to the hospital, using emergency oxygen kits can help to assist the patient in breathing till proper medical care can be provided to the patient at a hospital.

• Trauma supplies

In case of major accidents, the patients can get seriously injured that can cause extreme blood loss. If the blood loss is not reduced or stopped immediately, it can be life-threatening for the patients. Therefore, first responders must have all the necessary trauma supplies including emergency bandages, chest wound injury seals, and tourniquets to stop blood flow. As extreme loss of blood can cause complications in the treatment of the patient and even death, therefore, trauma supplies are an essential product for first responders.

• Patient assessment tools

Patient assessment tools are the most critical products that are used by first responders as they help the responders to assess the patient’s condition as soon as they reach the scene of an emergency. These assessment tools can include a stethoscope, blood pressure monitoring cuffs, thermometers, and other basic assessment tools that can help to determine a patient’s condition immediately. It is highly significant as it can help the responders in making the right decision regarding the treatment of the patient.

• Wound care equipment

Emergency wound care

To take care of wounds, the first responders should have the necessary wound care products including wraps, bandages, gauze, tape, tweezers, scissors, and, forceps. The bandages and wraps are used to cover the wound while the tweezers and forceps help to remove any pieces of debris including metal or glass from the wound. Wound care products should also include wound irrigation supplies and antibiotic ointments to help prevent infections.

• Stretcher

For patients who are seriously injured, it is important to transport them and this can be done with the help of a stretcher. You can use either a collapsible or roll-up format stretcher. These stretchers are ideal to transport patients to hospitals who are severely injured and unable to move due to injuries.

• ECG Monitor/ AED

ECG and vital signs monitors are fully automated machines that are used to determine the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, body temperature, and, level of consciousness. As all of these parameters provide essential information regarding a patient’s condition, first responders must have these products. In addition to these, an AED, or automated external defibrillator, must also be a part of the products that are used by responders. An AED can be extremely helpful in situations where a patient suffers from a sudden cardiac arrest.

• Trauma shears

Medical shears or trauma shears are scissors that help to remove pieces of clothing from injured people safely and quickly. These are important as the first responders might need to cut any piece of clothing from a patient’s body to provide the medical service. Therefore, first responders should have durable medical shears that can help them to perform their duties in the best possible way and without any obstacles.

• Portable ventilator

A portable ventilator is a machine that helps patients to breathe. It mechanically moves air into the lungs of the patients and often performs lifesaving services. This portable ventilator is connected to an oxygen cylinder. The first responders should have a portable ventilator and must have the proper training to run the ventilator.

• Disposable blankets

Disposable blankets are used to prevent rapid cooling of the body after an accident. The use of disposable blankets helps to lower the risks of complications of the wounds and can also help prevent hypothermia in patients. Hypothermia, in itself, is a serious medical condition that must be taken into consideration as it can lead to disastrous results. Therefore, first responders need to have a good stock of disposable blankets.

Disposable emergency blanket

• Personal protection equipment

While helping patients in emergencies, the responders might hurt themselves or come into contact with some infectious matter from the patients that can cause infections later. Therefore, first responders must use products including masks, gloves, and, eye protection to protect themselves from any potential danger.

Conclusion

First responders are specialized personnel who are trained to provide emergency medical care to the patients at the scene of an emergency or accident. The first responders may face situations including the treatment of patients with minor injuries to patients who are severely injured. To deal with all kinds of situations, these responders must have all the necessary products they need to perform their duties efficiently. Having all the critical medical products at hand can help these first responders to provide their services with ease and save lives.