Why can't you have aspirin in a first aid box?

Answer 1

Legally giving some one any form of medication, from a First Aid Kit/Box, especially in the work place could lead to a long drawn out court case. If some one should react too or die from taking something as simple as a aspirin.

In Australia it is recommended that First Aid Kit don't have any drugs in it, unless suitably qualified personal is in charge of the First Aid kit.

First Aiders are advised NOT to administer any medication to any one unless directed too, by qualified personal, Doctor, Nurse and Ambulance Paramedic.

The reason why is;
* The person handing out the medication may not be qualified to administer drugs (even as mild as aspirin/panadol).

* The person requiring aspirin/panadol may have an undiagnosed medical condition.

* They person may have a medical conditon, which they are taking medication for, thus a chance of drug interaction.

* Some people are allergic to aspirin or other drugs (like myself).

How ever we can ASSIST some one to take medication, IF they carry it around with them, such as Ventolin (for asthma), Epi pen (for anaphylaxis) or Glycogen pen (for diabetics).

I carry my Ventolin and anti-histamines with me every where, I wear my Medic Alert bracelet all the time. And I get very angry when people don't carry their medication with them.

Unfortunately some people will sue for the sake of a fast buck, so these rules set to protect the First Aider and Good Samaritan.

So in short it maybe a good idea to carry around your own aspirin/panadol. Just don't hand it out!

Answer 2

Frankly when I was a medic I had aspirin in the first aid box and used along with all the other drugs that I had. I would recommend that you put aspirn in a first aid box for patients with potential heart attacks. Depending upon how far you are from a hospital - it just may save a life. If you are in a rural setting I would make sure that you have aspirin in the first aid box.

I don't buy some of the comment listed above about allergies. If you are medically trained you would know the importance of thinning a heart attack patients blood in the first 30 minute of a hear attack.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

If the box is maintained at regular intervals or when used it can be equipped with Aspirin,But you must be sure anyone who you give or administer it to is not allergic to it.If you can administer Aspirin to a heart attack victim early enough their survival chances improve by 40% but you must inform at handover of patient that you have given Aspirin and what dose.35 yrs Paramedic.I agree with the Doctor.As always its not how good your equipment is its knowing how to use it correctly.

Answer 5

As a qualified first aider i know the real reason why aspirin is not in first aid boxes and it is simply because aspirin actually thins the blood and if someone had an accident were they were cut and took aspirin then it makes it harder to get the blood to clot thereby increasing the loss of blood.

Answer 6

Most companies won't put aspirin or any other analgesic in First Aid boxes, to protect against prosecution if someone takes it by mistake and has an alergic reaction

Answer 7

Didn't know that!

I suppose it could be because a lot of people are allergic - plus aspirin thins the blood so it would be a huge mistake to give aspirin to someone who is in pain because they have just received a nasty cut.

It's also a stomach irritant so shouldn't be given to people with ulcers or pre-ulcerative conditions etc.

Answer 8

It is because of the health and safety brigade and the fear of prosecution.If sombody dies from taking medication. I was once on a first aid course and was informed that if I put a plaster on a cut and the injured party has an allergic reaction that i would be liable to be prosecution

Answer 9

Not everyone can take aspirin. it can make some people bleed easily, so if you don't know the medical history of the person, the risk is too great. A number of people are allergic to it too.

Answer 10

most first aid boxes used to include aspirin, they don't any more because first aid boxes are not usually used frequently and the aspirin goes past expiration. In other words, it's a waste of money.