Importance of Emergency Supplies OR First Aid Kits

First aid kits was first used during the 11th century when a group of knights founded The Order of St. John, to teach others the method of treating battlefield injuries and wounds. After that another notable mention of first aid was in 1877 when St. John Ambulance was formed in U.K. to impart first aid training in different cities. It is believed that first aid training spread in Europe during this time.

Still, there was no organized system of treating battlefield injuries. A Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant, who witnessed heavy causalities during a battle wrote a book and sent this book to various military and political heavy weights. Due to his efforts, on February 9th, 1863 the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was formed.

During the latter part of 1800 dramatic changes took place and British Red Cross was formed in 1870 followed by St John Ambulance during 1877. It is believed that the word “first aid” first appeared in U.K. sometime around 1878. Surgeon Major Peter Shepherd and Doctor Coleman started a first aid course and St John Ambulance started running other public courses in different cities in U.K.

First aid as seen today has its origins in the early work of the Red Cross and St John Ambulance. The present day first aid kit contains supplies and equipment needed to give first aid to an injured or sick person. They contain an assortment of items like bandages which help control bleeding, medicines, adhesive bandages, gauze, disinfectant and other such items needed for first aid.

There are different kinds of first aid kits available depending on the use and the contents vary accordingly. Basic kits are found in households and they contain basic items along with some medication to solve minor problems. You need emergency supplies for your daily needs and those who go on nature trips need to carry first aid kits along with them on every trip.

People who go camping, hunting, fishing, backpacking or trekking need to have a first aid kit with them on their trip. Those who plan a nature trip need to pack their camping equipment with care. Along with other items like a tent, rechargeable flashlights, clothes, tools, axe, food supplies, water filter etc your camping gear should contain a well packed first aid kit.

This is essential as you can face any kind of adversity on your trip, get injured and need first aid. If you are far off from civilization and need medical aid, your kit can come in handy to treat minor problems. So, pay attention to this important item while packing and ensure that all the items in your kit are in perfect condition and can be used when needed. It would be best to check the expiry dates on various items while packing your camping gear.