Interview: Z.Khaliun “A good first aid kit is essential”

Z.Khaliun, from the Red Cross Branch of Chingeltei district, Ulaanbaatar, tells us about first aid treatment and the importance of first aid kits.

–What is first aid?
–First aid is the provision of initial medical care to yourself or others after an accident or disaster. It is about dealing with physical and psychological distress and illness using the materials you have available before the arrival of professional medical staff. First aid materials should be very clean and fit for purpose. Timely and proper first aid delivery saves lives and reduces potential complications due to illness or injury. It increases the chances of full recovery so everyone should have adequate first aid knowledge and skills. An accurate assessment of the situation and immediate and proper administration of treatment are the essential components of the successful delivery of first aid.

–What should a first aid responder do?
–There are four principles for first aid treatment. First, you need to be calm and should not create further risk to yourself, the injured person or any bystanders. Second, you need to approach the patient as safely as possible. Third, you need to manage the patient. Fourth, you need to administer the correct treatment in the right order. Administration of first aid depends on the circumstances of the case and the materials you have available. First aid treatment can still be provided even when there are no materials available. The above principles have to be followed regardless of what you have to hand.

–What is a right order of actions for first aid treatment?
–There are four steps to deliver first aid. First, you assess the danger of the situation and the condition of the person who needs aid to help you make a diagnosis. Second, you will decide what aid is needed and how it should be delivered based on this assessment. In other words, you plan out your immediate actions and the order that you need to do them in. Third, you undertake the treatment and provide psychological support. Fourth, you assess the impact of your treatment and focus on the patient’s condition and continue providing care. During accidents and injuries, circumstances can change quickly and serious injuries which weren’t initially detected might be revealed. You need to keep checking the patient and continue to provide aid where needed.

Large size complete first aid kit

–What items do you need to deliver first aid? What tools and materials are needed?
–A complete first aid kit is essential for providing the most timely and appropriate first aid. A complete first aid kit consists of triangular cloth, elastic bandages, disinfectant solution, bottled water, gauze pads, soap, a thermometer, and clips for bandages. Many other items can be added. Each item has a purpose. For example, a triangular sling can be used as a bandage for all types of injuries from head to foot and can also be used for the transportation of patients. Elastic bandages tighten as they stretch, so can be used for bandaging knees, elbows, ankles and other joints. The size and variety of first aid kits vary depending on their purpose. However, disinfectant cleaning materials, gauze pads for bandages, and triangular cloth are always included. Additional items can also be included depending on the intended purpose. There are many different types of kit, such as those for volunteer teams during disasters, and kits for the home or for travel. The size of the bag or box containing the kit can also vary.

Medium and small size complete first aid kits

–How should the first aid kit be carried?
–Disasters and accidents can happen suddenly. Therefore, you must be prepared. That’s why it is necessary to have a first aid kit close to hand. First aid kits should be placed in offices, factories, mines, sports facilities, military and police offices, schools, kindergartens, hotels and any other place where there are lots of people. This ensures readiness for emergencies. Any first aid items which are used should be replaced immediately. First aid kits should be carried on trips to rural areas and picnics and should also be carried in every vehicle.

–What first aid equipment should you take with you on trips and long journeys?
–It’s best to pack a compact bag with gauze pads, a triangular sling, a flashlight, water flask, hand cleaning materials, band-aids, scissors, and a thermometer. You also need sterile tissues and liquid antiseptic. The more additional kit you can include, the better.

–Soon the summer travel and picnic season will start. Where can people buy a suitable first aid kit and how much will it cost?
–You can order the correct kit from the Mongolian Red Cross Society or aimag Red Cross committees. The price varies depending on the size of the kit, but on average it is between MNT 30,000 and 120,000. Many pharmacies also sell them. I also want to mention that experienced Red Cross trainers can provide training to the public under a special programme that we run. If you want to find out more details about the training that we provide, you can call us on 318755.