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Posted By Barry
Hi
I have a slight quandry, a number of our first aid provisions, namely sterile unmedicated dressings have gone past their use by date.
On their box it states that the dressing remains sterile unless it is opened or damaged. If this is the case, why would it have a use-by date?
Is it just to keep the suppliers in business, or am i just being cynical?
thanks
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Posted By Kate Graham
There's no quandary - you just have to replace them. The thin little plastic packaging they are in just isn't robust enough to keep air and moisture(which contain bacteria) out of them forever so they cannot be guaranteed to be sterile beyond a stated time. It's no different from packaged food - even the long-life sort has a limited life, even if you don't open it.
They don't have to be wasted though, the first aiders can use the no longer sterile dressings for practising with.
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Posted By David Thomas
Agree with Kate on this. Its funny how these things with up to a 5year life in a sealed pack manages to sneak past you when enjoying life.
My present company issued new first aid boxes to all the first aiders when taking on a new building, its now 5years and all needed upgrading. Found the best source was St Johns Supplies, good range, allow you to mix & match to suit requirements and excellent prices, as well as normally next day delivery
regards
Dave
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Posted By Nigel Singleton BSc I suggest you review your contents to prevent this happening again. The stock list is only guidance, your assessment of need should identify the actual stock required i.e. why 4 triangular bandages when you only have 2 staff each with 2 arms. try: www.bandage-it.co.uk
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Posted By Dave Wilson
U need 4 for a brken leg!
Ankles, joint above and one above and below the fracture site!
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Posted By Nigel Singleton BSc
Sorry Dave
I have to beg to differ. Current fracture techniques are:
Do not attempt to bandage if medical assistance is on its way.
Do not attempt to move the injured limb unnecessarily.
For a broken Leg, be it neck of femur, femur, tibia or fibula. The formula is very simple, steady and support, but do not bandage, call for help immediately.
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Posted By Clarke Kent
I agree with Nigel,
far too much time and emphasis is placed on bandaging and slings on first-aid courses. If the casualty is not in any immediate danger from the position they are in, they do not need to be moved. Therefore there is no need for bandages or slings, simply support / imobilise the limb as the emergency services will arrive soon(hopefully) and the first thing that they will do is cut off the bandages that you have spent the last 20 minutes putting on, remembering to use a reef knot and tying off on the un-injured side, and using an elevated sling apposed to an arm sling.
You may even cause more damage putting bandages and slings on.
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Posted By Dave Wilson
I agree wholeheartedly, however if you are in an area where this help is not available or you need to evacuate NOW!! and do not have access to 'professional paramedic' and only have a first aid bag in your 'bergen' then 4 triangular bandages are the bare minimum.
It appears that the contents of a first aid box etc have not been updated from the original First Aid Regs.
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