Life is unpredictable, both outdoors and indoors, where we may encounter unforeseen challenges. To assist during emergencies, first responders, trained and certified professionals, are crucial. They adeptly manage various emergencies and are typically the first to arrive at the scene, employing simple but often lifesaving techniques. Today, we’ll explore the 10 critical emergency medical products vital for first responders to excel in their roles.
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 critical emergency medical products, especially 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 emergency medical 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
To manage wounds in critical emergency medical situations, first responders should be equipped with the necessary wound care products, including critical emergency medical products like wraps, bandages, gauze, tape, tweezers, scissors, forceps, and tourniquets.
The bandages and wraps are used to protect the wound, while specialized tools like tweezers and forceps are instrumental in removing debris such as metal or glass. For comprehensive wound care, the kit should also include irrigation supplies to cleanse the wound and antibiotic ointments to minimize the risk of infection.
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 device 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 robust and essential scissors designed to swiftly and safely remove clothing from injured individuals, a critical step in critical emergency medical products use. These shears are crucial as first responders may need to quickly cut away garments to access a patient’s wounds and provide urgent medical care. Hence, it’s imperative that first responders are equipped with durable medical shears, ensuring they can perform their lifesaving duties effectively and without hindrance.
Portable ventilator
A portable ventilator is a vital machine that supports patients’ breathing by mechanically moving air into and out of the lungs and is often a critical emergency medical product for lifesaving services. This device is typically connected to an oxygen cylinder to deliver essential oxygen therapy. It’s imperative that first responders carry a portable ventilator and possess the proper training to operate it efficiently, ensuring they can provide immediate respiratory assistance in emergency scenarios.
Disposable blankets
Disposable blankets, one of the critical emergency medical products, are employed to prevent the rapid cooling of the body after an accident, thereby lowering the risks of wound complications and helping to avert hypothermia in patients. Hypothermia is a serious medical condition that, if not managed promptly, can have severe consequences.
Consequently, it is essential for first responders to maintain a substantial supply of disposable blankets, ensuring they are well-prepared to provide thermal protection and improve patient outcomes in emergent situations.
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 highly trained professionals equipped to deliver emergency medical care at the scene of an emergency or accident, facing a spectrum of situations from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions.
To effectively manage these diverse scenarios, it’s imperative that they have immediate access to all the necessary and critical emergency medical products required for their duties. Possessing a comprehensive supply of these essential items enables first responders to perform their vital services efficiently and, most importantly, to save lives.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
