For general aviation use, first aid kits come in a variety of sizes and designs. Most smaller kits made expressly for light aircraft are packed in hard containers, but some kits come in nylon soft packs. A hard metal or plastic case protects the contents from impact damage and exposure to high humidity or water, though not all are actually waterproof. Soft packs, on the other hand, are more flexible and generally easier to store. It's easier to add extra items to a soft kit, but the contents are more likely to be damaged if you don't store and handle it carefully.
A first aid kit's contents are packaged in one of two ways. Hard kits usually have items packed in units - standard-sized boxes - 4 inches wide by 2.25 inches tall, and 0.5 to 2 inches deep. Each unit contains a specific first aid item or, in some cases, a group of items used to treat a specific medical need. A unit might contain 10 to 16 adhesive bandages or antiseptic swabs, two 2-inch bandage compresses, or one 4-inch bandage compress or triangular bandage.
In some cases, unit packaging wastes space because a unit might contain only a few items.
However, unit packaging is neat, orderly, and easy to maintain. With the contents printed on the kit's top, it's simple to keep track of first aid supplies. Each unit is sealed with a clear wrap, so it's easy to identify unopened boxes, and each unit usually includes instructions. It's also easy to replace expired items - simply replace the unit. Generally, items in the boxes are designed to be used only once, to minimize waste or contamination of unused items. Unfortunately, replacement units are not readily available, and you must buy these items from specialty medical or safety supply houses - often at a premium price. The kits themselves generally cost a bit more, and the contents are limited, though usually quite adequate for most common first aid purposes.
Bulk kits contain a variety of items, usually in their original consumer packaging. In some cases these kits may include some items in units. Some items may be packed in bulk. Others - most often drugs or antiseptics - may be in individual-use packages.
Often, bulk kits enable you to pack a variety of materials in a smaller volume, but it may be hard to find what you need because it's buried under other items. When you dig through the kit to find something, you might damage an item or forget to replace something. On the other hand, adding and replacing items is easier because you can usually get replacements at a drug store. Bulk kits are generally less expensive and often more comprehensive than comparable unitized kits.
You won't find the "perfect" first aid kit, and its quality depends on what features are important to you. Many of the most inexpensive kits include little more than a few strip bandages to cope with minor cuts or scrapes, some marginally effective salve, a few other odds and ends, and maybe a compress or triangular bandage. These hardly come close to the supplies a pilot might need.
On the other hand, you probably don't need a portable emergency room. But remember, if an accident happens, you may well need the extra compresses, bandages, and dressings found in a better equipped and (of course) more expensive kit. Regardless of what kit you get, you can supplement it with additional items, or you can assemble your own kit from scratch.
When you select or supplement a kit, think about drugs and medications. Because of liability and expiration dates, many kits, especially unitized kits, don't contain drugs - not even basic, non-prescription pain killers. Of course, the first thing someone looks for in a kit is usually a pain killer. As for the liability issue, anyone who gives first aid is potentially open to some form of liability or action, even with Good Samaritan laws. Common sense, along with basic first aid knowledge, is the best defense. Giving a person a nonprescription analgesic is unlikely to raise your level of liability.
If you add a pain killer to your kit, add both acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.) and ibuprofen (Advil, etc.) because some people are allergic to one or the other. Aspirin can also be useful. Separate decongestant and antihistamine (not for use by the pilot when flying) pills can be a blessing to a passenger with sinus problems. An antibiotic ointment is the best choice for a salve. Today, most doctors avoid greasy "burn" ointments. Povidone Iodine solution is a good choice for a general cleanser and antiseptic/bactericide.
Remember, you must replace drugs and medications regularly. If you use some of the medical supplies, replace them at the earliest opportunity. Finally, store or carry the kit in some easily accessible place. When you need it, you shouldn't have to dig under a bunch of luggage to find it. If you rent airplanes, keeping the kit in your flight bag is the best way to ensure you always have it.
Finally, the most important piece of first aid equipment you can carry isn't in the kit, it's between your ears. All the medical supplies and equipment in the world aren't worth much unless you know how to use them. Reading and carrying a first aid manual is good. Taking a first aid course is better. The best thing about a first aid course is that you can use what you learn everywhere, not just in an airplane. It couldn't hurt to have the skills to save someone's life.
FAA-approved First Aid
Contents Quantity
- Adhesive bandage compresses, 1 inch 16
- Antiseptic swabs 20
- Ammonia inhalants 10
- Bandage compresses, 4 inch 8
- Triangular bandage compresses, 40 inch 5
- Arm splint, noninflatable 1
- Leg splint, noninflatable 1
- Roller bandage, 4 inch 4
- Adhesive tape, 1 in. standard roll 2
- Bandage scissors 1
Recommended Small Aircraft First Aid Kit
Contents Quantity
- Adhesive Strip Bandage, 1 inch (elastic fabric best) 30
- Elastic Finger and Knuckle Bandages 8 of each
- Bandage Compress, 2 inch 4
- Bandage Compress, 4 inch 2
- Gauze Pad, non-adherent, 2 x 3 or 3 x 3 inch 6
- Gauze Pad, non-adherent, 4 x 4 inch 4
- Trauma Pads, 5 x 9 inch 3
- Conforming Gauze Roll Bandage, self-adhering, 2 or 3 inch 4
- Elastic Bandage, 2 or 3 inch 2
- Triangular Bandage 2
- SAM Splint 1
- Waterproof Adhesive Tape, 1 or 2-inch by 10 yards. 2 or 1 respectively
- Super Glue 1
- Tincture of Benzoin or Mastisol swabs 10
- Povidone Iodine Antiseptic swabs 20
- Povidone Iodine Solution 1 oz.
- Double Antibiotic Ointment 1 oz. tube or 30 packets
- Sterile Eye Wash, 1 ounce 2
- Acetaminophen Tabs, 500 mg. 16
- Ibuprofen Tabs, 200 mg 16
- Aspirin Tabs, 325 mg 8
- Pseudoephrine HCL Tabs, 30 mg 8
- Oxymetazoline HCL .05%
- Nasal Decongestant Spray 1
- Chlorpheniramine Maleate, 2 mg or Diphenhydramine HCL 25mg 8
- Antacid Tabs 16
- Latex Gloves 2 pr.
- CPR Shield 1
- Bandage Scissors 1
- Splinter Tweezers 1
- 2-AA Flashlight or equal 1
- First Aid Manual 1
Related Articles
