According to the CDC, more than 33 million people in the U.S. sought help for some type of injury in 2005. Treatment for injury led to 40.9 million visits to physician offices, 5.4 million visits to hospital outpatient departments and 28.4 million visits to hospital emergency rooms. About 2.8 million Americans required hospitalization for their injuries.

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) recommends all adults take a basic first aid course so they are better prepared to deal with emergencies. In addition, every home should have a first aid kit. Families should also carry a first aid kit in their vehicles.

The ACEP says home first aid kits should contain assorted styles and sizes of bandages, a triangular bandage, elastic wraps, rolls of gauze, adhesive tape, sharp scissors, safety pins, antiseptic wipes, instant cold packs, tweezers, a thermometer, hydrogen peroxide and latex-free gloves. The kits should have small amounts of medications to treat minor problems. Some suggested supplies include: allergy medications, decongestants, pain relievers, cough and cold medicines, calamine lotion, aloe vera gel, hydrocortisone cream (for itching and rashes) and petroleum jelly. In addition, experts recommend a first aid manual, list of emergency numbers and contacts, medical consent forms and a family medical history form.

Some first aid kits need to be personalized for family needs, like having an infant dosing syringe for babies, rehydration fluid or injectable epinephrine for severe allergic reaction. The ACEP recommends first aid supplies be kept in a waterproof container in a visible and accessible location for all family members. The kit should be checked at least annually to replace used supplies and outdated medications.

The Intelligent First Aid Kit
Even when a parent has taken a first aid course, a child's sudden injury or illness can be stressful and interfere with the ability to think clearly and respond appropriately. A company, called Intelligent First Aid™, aims to ease concerns with its "talking" first aid kit.

The Talking Kit is designed to help a user respond to a wide range of emergency needs. It's divided into several color-coded sections arranged by type of emergency. Each section is placed in a separate pack that contains all the supplies needed to deal with that type of problem. The pack for the most serious problems (breathing and CPR) is placed in the front of the box, while the basic care pack (for cuts and scrapes) is in the back. Other packs are designed for bleeding, bone injuries, shock, eye injuries, head and spine injury and bites and stings.

In addition to supplies, each pack contains a card with a built-in audio module that provides step-by-step instructions on how to manage the emergency. The audio card also contains written instructions and pictures. When the treatment is given, any remaining contents in the pack are discarded. Individual replacement packs are available from the manufacturer.

Dave Hammond, President of Intelligent First Aid™, says the kits offered by the company are designed by medical professionals using the latest scientific standards for first aid care. Testing shows even 5th and 6th grade students can use the kit and accurately follow the directions.

The cost of the Talking Kit is $129.99. It's currently being developed to provide instructions in several other languages. The manufacturer makes several other first aid kits without the audio component. In the future, the company would like to develop tailored kits, like for a baby-sitter or dorm room.

Intelligent First Aid™ is also reaching out to others in need. The company uses employees from a local Work Opportunity Center to put the kits together. This center provides training and work for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

AUDIENCE INQUIRY
For information about the talking first aid kit: intelligentfirstaid.com

For general information on first aid or putting together a home first aid kit: American College of Emergency Physicians, acep.org

The Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.com

Ready America, ready.gov