Certified first responders are people who provide pre-hospital care in medical emergencies. They have to complete a course and obtain certification to become qualified to administer medical treatment in the field. A first responder is more skilled than someone who has received training in basic first aid, but are not qualified to offer advanced medical care such as those provided by nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and emergency physicians. However, they can render invaluable service when they encounter certain types of emergencies such as heart attacks, emergency childbirth and spinal immobilization. As such, the first responder kits include all of the first aid supplies that are necessary for a range of emergency situations. Continue reading →

Antiseptics refer to all the medical solutions that can help prevent infection. In most cases, first aid treatment involves the use of different types of antiseptics. In any first aid kit, you'll want to have at least one type of antiseptic on hand for the treatment of wounds. Here is a list of the main types of antiseptics used for first aid treatment: Continue reading →

Most people know that first aid refers to the immediate medical care that’s given to someone who has been injured or has fallen ill.  Technically speaking, first aid might refer to something as basic as cleaning a small cut and applying a bandage to something as serious as a heart attack or stroke.  Proper first aid training will prepare you to handle all manner of different situations, and it really is important for everyone to at least a basic knowledge of first aid techniques.  Continue reading →

There probably isn’t anyone you’ll encounter that actually enjoys thinking about how they would go about surviving a disaster, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done.  Preparation is the name of the game when it comes to surviving a disaster.  With any luck you’ll never have to apply what you learn or utilize any element of a disaster survival kit, but if you do, having the right tools could end up saving your life.  At The First Aid Zone, we offer several kits that include emergency survival supplies.

Roadside Help
For many people, their emergency situation occurs while in their vehicle.  This could be something as simple as running out of gas in a rural area to being in a serious accident.  Our emergency roadside distress kit includes a wide variety of emergency rescue supplies and first aid supplies that are perfect for a motorist in distress.  The kit includes important items such as: Continue reading →

Boating is something that appeals to all sorts of different people from all walks of life. Although it is largely considered a leisure activity, it is still important to keep safety in mind.  The fact that you are out on the water, sometimes far from shore, for long periods of time, is enough to raise the caution level.  Every vessel that ventures out onto the water should have a marine first aid kit. With summer just around the corner, here are five things that you should gather for your marine first aid kit and store on your boat:

1.  Bandages

Naturally, keeping several different kinds of bandages in your marine first aid kit is a good idea.  This list should include different-sized basic adhesive bandages, butterfly style bandages and different shapes and sizes of gauze.  You might also want to add a tensor bandage or two on the off-chance someone sprains an ankle or wrist while out on the water.  Continue reading →

Whenever anyone talks about emergency first aid, the focus should always be on the word “emergency.”  Whether it is an illness or an injury, a life or limb may be at stake and there’s really no time to lose.  Here are 9 things you need to know about emergency first aid.

1)  Time is of the Essence

You already knew that, but it bears repeating.  You don’t want to panic and you don’t want to rush, but you do want to move swiftly through all of the first aid actions you’ve learned that will help the situation.

2)  You Can Never Know Too Much

If you feel like you have a pretty good handle on the emergency first aid and the opportunity to learn more comes up, take advantage of it.  Always remember that what you know and how quickly you’re able to apply it could be the difference between someone’s life or death. Continue reading →

Accidents and injuries can happen without warning and often in the most unexpected places and circumstances. Without proper and timely medical attention, even a minor injury can have serious consequences. Whether at home, in the workplace or outdoors, a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for handling any emergency.

You can buy a readymade first aid kit or make your own. It's easy to assemble your own first aid kid. First, get a plastic container that is roomy, lightweight, sturdy, easy-to-open and easy-to-carry. Stick a first aid sticker on its outer surface to identify its contents. Fill it with first aid supplies like adhesive tapes and bandages, elastic bandages, anti-septic wipes, tweezers, scissors, a thermometer, antibiotic ointment, painkillers and other medicines.

Once your first aid kit is ready, you can take it with you anywhere. However, it is not always practical to carry the box around. Therefore, it may be more practical to have one in each place you deem to be important. Here are 7 places where you should keep a first aid kit: Continue reading →

­Whether you are throwing a football, shooting a puck, swimming some laps or climbing a mountain, all athletes should be prepared for injuries to occur. As an athlete you should always be proactive and have a first aid kit on site, so that you can tend to your wound, recover quickly and minimize the impact of your injury.

It is important to consider which sport you will be participating in as certain injuries are more common in specific sports. For example, bruises, abrasions and sprained ankles are more commonly seen in baseball, so you should tailor your kit to include items that pertain to your favourite sport.  However, here is a list for some basic essentials that should be included in any athlete’s first aid kit. Continue reading →

Half way through the boat show and all indications are strong.

Boats are being sold and this historically has been a strong economic indicator.

When we have a good boat show, we have a good year.

To all you boaters, be prepared for every emergency!

It's that time of year again.  The Toronto Boat show runs from Jan 11-Jan 20/13.  This is our 18th year and we are thrilled to be setting up our display again. This is the perfect opportunity for all you boaters to restock your kits or get a new one.  When you are out on the water, self reliance is critical.  The First Aid Zone is the place to visit for all your first aid needs.