In general emergency first responder kits will contain a fair number of similar items to a basic first aid kit, just on a much larger scale. While a basic home type of first aid kit o a kit for a vehicle may hold a few bandages, general emergency first responder kits will hold boxes of different styles, types and sizes of bandages, all for very specific types of use. Since general emergency first responder kits are used by those trained as EMT's or highly trained in emergency first aid, much more advanced types of treatment options are available immediately to the patient, often making the difference between life and death. Emergency first responder kits also tend to contain a wider variety of basic options such as different types of tapes, including waterproof surgical tapes, splints, cold packs, trauma pads, antibacterial and germicidal wipes, burn treatment medications and gels, eye wash, emergency blankets and surgical gloves, CPR shields, tweezers, medical scissors elastic types of bandages for immobilizing injured limbs. What are the important considerations for emergency first responders kits with regards to portability? Unlike standard first aid kits, emergency first responder kits may have to be transported both inside and outside. They are also much larger than standard kits, often weighing over 15 pounds so it is important that they be easy to manage even through disaster areas or outdoor travel. Often the emergency first responder kits are semi-rigid in design to completely soft, often in a sports bag or kit style of design. They should have a durable shoulder strap with padding as well as handles for easy handling over any type of ground. The shoulder strap should be adjustable to fit first responders without discomfort or pulling. The kits typically have several additional features that make them both portable as well as durable. They are often nylon, water resistant as well as very long lasting even when constantly in use. The zippers should be reinforced as should all seams, handles and straps. The bags typically have several external compartments included larger areas on either end as well as across the sides for the most commonly used first aid items. What additional medical equipment is found in emergency first responder kits that is not found in other types of first aid kits? Depending on the type of emergency first responder kits there are several different options for specific types of medical equipment. Many EMT kits will contain stethoscopes as well as blood pressure cuffs, radios or recording devices for vital signs, as well as small defibrillators and basic types of medications that may be required in emergency situations. These additional medical supplies are not offered in standard first aid kits and are really designed to be used by those trained as first responders. Generally most emergency first responder kits will also include biohazard bags or full bloodborne kits, ideal for protection for first responders as well as site clean up.

It is essential to have bloodborne kits available in any workplace or areas where there is any chance of bodily injury leading to blood or body fluid spills. This is essentially because of the many bloodborne diseases and pathogens such as Hepatitis B and C as well as HIV/AIDS and many other blood and body fluid contaminants that first responders or others in the area may be exposed too if the kits are not present. Bloodborne kits are designed to provide a safe and sterile way to handle body and body fluids that not only protects and cleans the area but also protects the individual.

The use of bloodborne kits may be covered in specific types of industrial first aid training, however OSHA also has guidelines that should be routinely reviewed and understood by all workers that may be first responders to any type of accident or emergency with blood or body fluid spills. If the bloodborne kits also contain first aid supplies and CPR equipment then they can be covered in first aid training programs and routinely reviewed with staff. In times of emergency and crisis each person does need to understand how important it is both to use the bloodborne kit correctly as well as how to dispose of any of the used materials from the kit. How are waste materials from blood or body spills disposed of using the correct and recommended protocols? All bloodborne kits will provide specific information that follows OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard for disposal of waste materials containing human blood or body fluids. These instructions are typically found either on the inside cover of the case of the bloodborne kits or in small reference books that may also contain diagrams and charts on how to correctly collect and dispose of different types of body fluids.

Generally the kits will contain several large sized biohazard bags which are used for any materials that have been used in the clean up or have been worn as a precaution to prevent contamination with blood or body fluids. These bags are brightly colored and clearly labeled as biohazard, requiring separate disposal as per regulations. Garment disposal bags are typically clear, but in the case where the gown, gloves or mask has been contaminated they are treated as biohazard waste. Do most bloodborne kits provide safety for the first responders?

Yes, most bloodborne kits do provide safety garments and devices for anyone responding to an emergency or accident situation where there is blood or body fluid loss. These safety features include disposable long sleeved gowns, face masks, disposable vinyl or latex gloves, shoe covers and eye shields. In some kits extra CPR masks or shields are typically included in the kit along with antibacterial and germicidal types of wipes that can be used for any contact of blood or body fluids with the first responder's skin.