Resourceful Trauma Care: Using Everyday Items for Emergency First Aid in Classroom and Office Settings

Improvised trauma care items can be invaluable in emergencies when specialized medical supplies are not readily available. The quickest and efficient is direct pressure on the wound or nearest pressure point.  Here are some everyday items that can be repurposed for trauma care in a classroom or office setting:

1. Blankets, Towels, Ace wraps or Clothing: T-shirts, scarves, or fabric can be used as improvised bandages to control bleeding and cover wounds.

2. Belts: Belts can be used as tourniquets to control severe bleeding in extremities.

3. Plastic wrap and Plastic Bags: These can serve as improvised chest seals for treating open chest wounds.

4. Duct Tape or Masking Tape: These versatile tapes can secure bandages, splints, or improvised slings.

5. Triangular Bandages: Repurpose shirts or cloths as triangular bandages for slings, tourniquets, or securing dressings.

6. Sanitary Napkins or Tampons: These can serve as wound dressings and or to pack wounds to control bleeding, as they are highly absorbent.

7. Thick Computer Cord: These can be used as improvised tourniquets. Continue to wrap around the limb until bleeding slows or stops.  They can also be used to secure makeshift bandages.

8. Paper Towels or Tissues: These can be used to pack wounds.

9. Gauze or Cotton Balls: These items can be used to control bleeding, clean wounds, and create pressure dressings.

10. Shoe Laces: Can be used as tourniquets. Wrap around the limb multiple times. Also, they can be used to secure makeshift bandages and splints.

11. Tea Bags: Tea bags contain tannic acid, which can help control bleeding and soothe minor burns.

12. Socks: Socks can be used as an improvised bandage or to create a pressure dressing.

13. Backpacks: Backpack straps can be placed over the limb and twisted until the bleeding stops

While these improvised items can provide immediate aid, they are no substitute for proper medical supplies and training. If possible, receive first aid training to understand how to use these items effectively and prioritize seeking professional medical assistance whenever possible. In life-threatening situations don’t worry about using dirty materials.  It is more important to stop the bleeding and the infection part can be taken care of later at the hospital with antibiotics.