EMS Individual First Aid Kits
Emergency Medical Services Individual First Aid Kits serve to render self-aid or aid to a person in close proximity who is in need of emergency medical attention. Among the most common type of IFAKs are those that are combat medics and First Responders. In addition, these kits can also be found on airliners and cruise ships. Although size and content varies, materials usually contained in every kit are wound dressings, wound treatment/cleaning, tape, splints/collars, personal protection, tools and equipment, and drugs. When designing EMS IFAK cases, there are a few factors to take into consideration; durability and material quality, convenience of transport, ease of EMS recognition, and organization of contents.
Durable textiles are essential when manufacturing IFAK cases as they must be prepared to face the most harshest of extremes in the field while transporting supplies to a scene in a safe manner. Cordura (nylon) and other tough woven is the optimal choice as this kind of material is abrasion resistant even after numerous washes and continuous uses. Other common material alternatives that are used frequently include vinyl and tarpaulin, synthetic non-woven textiles. While these alternatives are not as durable as woven nylon, they are useful in instances when water and fluid resistance are vital to the design.
Textiles
Closures & Hardwares
Closures and other hardware are core elements of a durable carrying case. YKK zippers are the most reliable choice for zippers as the coil style zipper with plastic teeth prevents rust and corrosion after extensive use, and every coil size provides a secure and fail proof closure. While there are other options for zipper brands, YKK is the leading brand in terms of long-lasting performance. Other alternatives that provide adequately secure closure include plastic side-release buckles or high-performance hook-and-loop closures. These alternatives are a matter of personal choice as some responders will argue that these closures grant quicker accessibility than zippers. In addition, looking for carrying cases made domestically will also ensure a quality-controlled and durability tested bag that supports American workers.
Transportation
Another factor to take into account is convenience of transportation. Getting emergency supplies to an injured party can be a hassle in itself where time is a valuable asset. Due to the comparative size of some people to the bag they carry, struggling to a patient without being beaten up by the bag can be a genuine challenge. Designing cases with different transport methods allows an individual to carry it in a way that won't inhibit effective movement or lead to discomfort. While shoulder straps and handles are more common transportation methods for EMS cases, backpack straps allow a person to travel without the case bumping against his or her body, to distribute the weight evenly across the back, and to keep both hands free from the first moment on the scene.
Ease of Recognition
Ease of EMS recognition is also important to the designing of EMS cases. The use of bright colors, reflective straps/stripes or the universal Star of Life logo makes it easy for people to recognize one as EMS. and manufacturer that additionally offers ”private label” and ”branding services” also allows an individual to brand his/her cases with specified logos, unit icons, or any other recognizable symbol to bystanders on the scene. High visibility not only provides identity and lets people know that professional medical services are around, but also protects people both indoors and outdoors at any time of day or in situations of low visibility and high risk. Choosing a case that will allow easy access and integrate identification can help expedite access to the scene and effectively reduce response time.
Organization
Finally, organization of contents can be the single most influential aspect of any EMS case. A user never wants his/her supplies to just knock around in the large open space of a Duffle bag where they could be damaged. In addition, having to dig through scattered supplies to find what you're actually looking for leads to delayed action and increased frustration. Buying bags with interior and exterior pockets, or sections, allows the user to organize the case in a way that will increase their efficiency and categorize their supplies in a way that is intuitive. Some bags on the market contain individual “modules” that can be removed. Each component should logically contain products to treat a specific kind of injury or support a unique procedure.
There is a fine line between organization actually helping and it possibly hindering access. Sectioning products down too much can lead to further stress or added confusion in an emergency situation. Focus on making the case intuitive, not sectioning off products for the sake of sectioning off products. A general rule is that if you have multiple sections containing the same items, you probably have too many compartments. Larger sections should hold bulkier supplies, or supplies that require multiple pieces. While bandages may not be the “go to” on every call, you should always stock several of them in different sizes and compositions – because when you need them, you need them quickly.
Storing them in a large compartment near the bag opening ensures easy access on any scene. If items are placed on top of other smaller equipment, the compartments may be too deep or too few. Another way to store items that need to be accessed quickly could be by attaching them to internal lanyards. One idea comes from Stethosafe, a new manufacturer that offers a rigid plastic cover with a small lanyard to protect the bell of a stethoscope while also keeping it handy for immediate access.