Hi Laura,
Until you get into the EMT levels of operation, the stocking of first aid kits is really more of an art than a science. Each place has its own risk profile and first aid needs will be different for each. Obviously, a 2 week BMX training camp for 16 year olds will have a much higher risk profile than an art day camp for 8 year olds. The BMX camp will likely need a higher quantity of supplies, a broader range of supplies and a higher level of training for their personnel.
I would first determine the training of your counselors. This is important because the training must be consistent and verifiable and you must provide equipment and supplies necessary for them to work to the level of their training. I would suggest CPR/AED(if available)/ first aid certification through a nationally recognized program at a minimum and ensure that Blood Borne Pathogens training is included. If your activities include any significant exposure to bodies of water, lifeguard training might also be appropriate. If your normal expected response time for EMS personnel is in excess of 10 minutes you might want to consider recruiting volunteer EMTs for the program. I would suggest working with your local EMS provider as they can often be a great resource for training and in many cases they are community oriented people who are inclined to volunteer. They are also a great resource for what you can and can't do legally with respect to treatment.
As for supplies, a few thing I would suggest that aren't normally included in the basic kit include;
- Nitrile gloves in sizes appropriate for your trained personnel
- CRP pocket masks
- Chemical Ice packs
- 3" roller gauze
- Kerlex cling wrap rolls
- A few larger wound dressings
- Sting swabs for insect bites (great for outdoor activities)
- fingertip and knuckle bandages
- Flashlight
- Quality medical sheers
If activities are spread out over larger areas you might want to consider creating smaller mobile kits. For some events I've used a fanny pack type kit that provides excellent hands free mobility while keeping adequate supplies and equipment readily available. These would typically contain:
Gauze pads - 6ea 6"x6", 12 ea 4"x4", 24ea 2"x2" individually wrapped
2 rolls of gauze
2 rolls Kerlex cling wrap
1" Adhesive tape 1 roll
Assorted size band aids 12ea/per size and type
Alcohol prep pads 12ea
Triple antibiotic ointment packets 12ea.
Sting Swabs 6ea
Hand sanitized 1 3oz bottle
Nitrile gloves 3prs
Medical Sheers 1pr
Flashlight 1ea
Sorry for the lengthy response, but I hope it helps. I'll be happy to answer any other questions I can.
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Kenneth Bennett
Director of Security
Dallas Museum of Art
Dallas TX
Original Message:
Sent: 04-28-2016 09:14 AM
From: Laura Willoughby
Subject: First Aid Supplies/Training for Summer Camps
It is almost that time of year again –we have two Civil War themed day camps coming up. Last week I tasked a volunteer with inventorying our current First Aid supplies, that got me thinking….aside from the off the shelf standard First Aid kit is there anything else in the way of supplies that are recommended for stocking? Does anyone know of a standard First Aid supply checklist that is out there that can be referred to –a ratio of quantity of items to number of campers would be helpful in addition to necessary supplies. Finally, how much First Aid training for those who use camp counselors does your institution provide? Our counselors are all volunteer high school/college students. We do have a standard medical release form/allergy information that the parents/guardians sign and there is a chain of command when it comes to a medical emergency -911 for major medical emergency, lead educator, parent, site coordinator, etc…. If anyone has any insights to a standard First Aid supply list (especially for children/teens) and/or examples of training that there counselors receive it would be appreciated!
Laura Willoughby
Historic Site Coordinator
City of Newport News Parks, Recreation and Tourism