Medical professionals like you need to condition yourself for providing the best healthcare even during times of crisis. It is your prerogative to serve your country through your profession. The best way to prepare yourself for such situations is to have a go-to bag. But what is a go-to bag, and why would it be helpful?
This article will discuss why you need to carry a go-to bag wherever you are, and we will also provide you with the necessary list of things you need. Use this information for your professional practice as a healthcare professional and empower your colleagues to be noble figures in your profession.
Reasons Why You Need a Go-To Bag
A go-to bag is a backpack with different medical supplies made for various emergencies, such as fires and terrorist attacks. Take note of the following reasons why you need to carry a go-to bag with you:
- A medical professional’s job is never done: Your job as a medical professional doesn’t merely stop when you leave the hospital. There will always be people in danger that need your help. For instance, you may run errands at your bank, but you may witness a bank robbery and someone getting shot. They need your medical assistance at least until they can be rushed to the nearest hospital. It’s not just about keeping to the Hippocratic oath but being of service to the people.
- Many pressing threats can happen: The year 2020 is the perfect example that we are not prepared for emergencies. You only need to watch the recent news and see how COVID-19 challenges different lawmakers and medical professionals to provide timely, better healthcare. Fortunately, you can make a tiny-yet-significant difference by always being prepared for anything with your go-to bag. Don’t forget to advocate for high-quality healthcare by encouraging your colleagues to have their own go-to bags.
Things You Need for a Go-To Bag
Before you start setting up your go-to bag, remember that the following things only cover the basics. You may add other essentials that you think are needed for different kinds of emergencies. Use the following go-to bag list of essentials as a reference to build the perfect one for you:
- Backpack: You need a place to store all your go-to bag essentials, and the backpack is perfect for it because there are different compartments, and it’s easy to carry. Choose either an old backpack or a new one depending on what you feel works best for you during a crisis.
- First aid kit: First aid kits equip you with the necessary tools you can use during crisis times. It is best to have numerous kinds of bandages, like compressed gauzes and a few Israeli bandages, to cover minor-to-major wounds. Store trauma shears and duct tape to adjust and secure the bandages. You may also need nitrile gloves, a nasopharyngeal airway, and a tourniquet just if the patient is in a life-threatening situation.
- Medicine kit: Some over-the-counter medicines are important to have, like Neosporin or Tylenol. Stock up on medicines but replace them when they are past their expiration date. You can also ask for professional advice from your colleagues to stock up on all medicines you need.
- Headlight: There will be instances when the electricity is off, and you will have a hard time seeing your patient’s injuries. It’s best to have a headlight to allow you to see and provide timely medical care. You can also use the headlight to lead individuals out of the premises in times of evacuation.
- Emergency Food and Water: You don’t know how long you may be trapped during times of crisis, such as after a strong earthquake or during a terrorist attack. Store food and water that can last you for at least four days and ration it properly among you and your companions.
Conclusion
The go-bag enables you to provide better healthcare during times of crisis. It also grants you the ability to put your medical professional skills into practice beyond the confines of work as a duty to your country and in service to others. Prepare your go-bag today and consider what else you need in the event of an emergency.
Dose of Healthcare is your premier healthcare news site to provide healthcare professionals like you with all the essential information you need. Our articles ensure that you can provide better healthcare wherever you are. Take note of all our other survival guides to be prepared for any emergency today.
