What Should My Woodworking Shop First Aid Kit Contain?

Some hobbies are inherently more dangerous than others, and any hobby that includes power tools with sharp saw blades certainly should be in that category. Many times a woodworking shop is in a garage or an out building, so it is important to have first-aid items close at hand so that if a bad accident occurs, you won't have to run for the first-aid kit in the house. Once you set up a first-aid kit for your woodworking shop, you shouldn't need to give it much thought from then on.

Be Prepared for Everything

You don't need any special container to keep in your first-aid items---something as simple as a shoe box or a lunch box will do. You should paint it a bright color and add "FIRST AID KIT" in an obvious place. You'll know where it is, but if someone else were there he would need to be able to spot it quickly. A good idea is to put it with the fire extinguisher in an obvious spot. Once you have chosen a spot and informed family and friends where it is, don't change the location.

According to the American Red Cross, here is a list of items you should have in your first aid kit:
2 absorbent compress dressings (5 by 9 inches)
25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards by 1 inch)
5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
5 antiseptic wipe packets
2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
1 blanket (space blanket)
1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
1 instant cold compress
2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
Scissors
1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
5 sterile gauze pads (3 by 3 inches)
5 sterile gauze pads (4 by 4 inches)
Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
2 triangular bandages
Tweezers
First aid instruction booklet

The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends the following additional items:
Antihistimine (for allergic reactions)
Hydrogen peroxide

Other items that might come in very handy in unusual circumstances include:
Large bottle of Betadine to wash out large cuts
Burn cream
Smelling salts
Butterfly closure bandages
Mirror
1 gallon plastic sealable bag (e.g., to carry an amputated finger or hand to the hospital)

A Few More Ideas for Safety

Anytime you go out to your workshop, especially if you are alone, take your cell phone with you. Keep it in your pants pocket.

Buy a plastic bottle, similar to what you would buy to hold catsup or mustard, with a spout that has a cover. Fill this with sterile water and keep this with your first-aid kit. Should something go into your eye, you should be able to flush it out with this bottle and the mirror in your kit.

References

• American Red Cross
• American College of Emergency Physicians