A Simple First Aid Kit Can Make All The Difference

Deputy Sheriff Wayne Lawson was driving home from dinner with his wife late again, as they’ve done most days since the COVID-19 pandemic began, when out in the distance the couple heard a faint plea for help coming from a cabinet shop they often pass by. Without any thought, he quickly spun the vehicle around and rushed in to see if they could lend a hand.

Immediately, the couple found that the young man struggling near the emergency exit had a severe, open laceration to his right hand. Blood was oozing everywhere, strands of muscle and flesh were dangling, and bone could be seen exposed from the wound that appeared to cut across his fingers at a sharp angle.

With the help of the man’s supervisor already calling 911, Lawson and his wife retrieved some supplies from a first aid kit attached near the door and stepped in to control the bleeding. Using gauze, some ingenuity with a scrap of cabinet door, and some will to apply a tourniquet, the couple stabilized the injury until first responders could arrive.

The Lawson’s learned later, that gratefully 19-year-old Dustin Parham survived, but unfortunately nothing could save almost four fingers from the damage inflicted by the wood-cutting machine. With just a few simple first aid supplies, and a little bravery, the couple changed someone’s life. To this day, Parham and the couple remain dear friends.

No one expects for emergencies during their normal daily activities, but unfortunately accidents can and will happen without warning, at the workplace, at home, even on vacation. It brings enormous piece of mind to know that no matter what life throws your way, you are always prepared.

In the over 30 years GotSafety has been serving our customers, our agents have come across hundreds of situations where having a well-stocked first aid kit, has made the difference from an injury being a minor situation to handle, to needing serious medical attention. In some extreme cases, having the essential supplies on-hand has made the difference between a person’s life and death.

• Sterile Gauze Bandage, 4″ x 4yd
• Elastic Bandage Wrap, 4″ x 5 yd
• Eyewash, 4oz, Sterile Eye Cup, Eye Pads, and Strips
• Adhesive Plastic Bandages, 1″ x 3
• Adhesive Plastic Bandages, 3/4″ x 3
• Alcohol Wipes
• Cold Pack, 6″ x 9”
• Waterproof Tape, 1″ x 5yd

More deluxe kits should for the workplace should also include items like:

• Heavy Woven Fingertip Fabric Bandages
• Heavy Woven Fabric Bandages
• Ibuprofen Tablets
• Antacid Tablets
• Sinus Tablets
• Cotton Tipped Applicators
• Slings

A first aid kit in your home, office, or vehicle, keeps everything all in one convenient location and can be used for handling many injuries quickly, including cuts and lacerations, splinters, bites, burns, sprains, and even amputations. With a little bravery, of course. Every second counts during an emergency and delaying treatment on some wounds, even for a moment can cause irreparable damage. Keeping a well-stocked kit with all the needed medical items, can help you to respond effectively and determine whether there is time to prevent a small injury from becoming something more severe.

There may come a night in your life, like the Lawson’s, with no first responder and more blood is flowing than you ever hoped to see, and you just might be the only one to available to act when co-workers, friends or family need help the most. The steps you take with a nearby kit could make all the difference.

Let us help you be prepared, always. Contact us today at 1-800-734-3574 or purchase the kit you need from the GotSafety Store.