I bought a very nice FAK yesterday. I bought it mostly because of the case. I've been looking for something to fit a BOB and I thought the way the case was organized would make it prefect for use in my BOB. It was made by J&J.

I was reading the fine print on the packaging and it noted the [color:"red"] case contains latex [/color] . Now my question is how much of a concern is that to me. This kit may be used me and my family (we have no known allergy to latex) or I may use it in an emergency. In which case I may or may not be able to ascertain if the victim has any allergy to latex.

All FAK content will be sealed in their own packaging. However it would be next to impossible to ensure that I would not touch any of the latex while giving first aid.

How concerned should I be?

Adam

No problem -- just replace them with nitrile (aka "non-latex") gloves. You can probably get them from a good drugstore or medical supply house. I think they run about $10 for a box of 50 singles. I've noticed that some hardware stores are starting to carry them, too.

But they do come in sizes, S, M, L & XL. Try the latex gloves on if they're sized, and go from there.

And don't worry about not being able to use 50 -- they're useful for all kinds of things that would get your hands dirty or gooey. Don't try to hoard them, as they do have a shelf life. (You'll know you've reached it when they start tearing when you pull them on.)

Sue

You may want to replace the disposable latex gloves with a couple of pairs of nitrile gloves. The only other thing I can think of that would contain latex is some Bandaids or a tourniquet. YMMV. Unless you are saying the case itself is latex.

I had a volunteer at a Haunted House a couple of years back who wore a latex mask all night. She found out the hard way of her allergy to latex! <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Geez, was that poor woman a mess the next day. :

Yes I'm saying the case itself contains latex.

Adam

It was pretty much a given that I would remove the latex gloves. But I'm concerned about the case containing latex.

Adam

Sorry, I misunderstood.

Do you think you would be able to coat the case with something, like shellac or Kilz? (Real shellac is non-toxic.)

Sue

Probably not. But it seems odd to me that they would make the case using latex and NOT clearly state it on the front of the packages. Really it a good thing I read the small print.

But still I'm not sure how much of a concern it is. The case is clear on the top and bottom and the top flops open and has small pockets made into the lid. I'm assuming this is the latex they are referring to, when they said "Caution: the packaging of this product contains latex".


Probably not. But it seems odd to me that they would make the case using latex and NOT clearly state it on the front of the package. Really it is a good thing I read the small print.

But still I'm not sure how much of a concern it is. The case is clear on the top and bottom and the top flops open and has small pockets made into the lid. I'm assuming this is the part with the latex that they are referring to, when they say "Caution: the packaging of this product contains latex". Maybe I'm misreading this statement and they mean that certain items packed inside this kit have latex, i.e. the latex gloves.

Now I'm really confused and I usually don't admit that. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Adam

FAK

Here is a link to J&J first aid kits. There is a "contact us" link on that page. Ask 'em. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

So you are thinking that after touching the case and than touching the potential pt, he/she will develop allergic reaction? Highly unlikely althou in the past there was a story about a girl in Canada who was allergic to peanuts and died after kissing her boyfriend who just ate pbj sandwich. Damn Canadians <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I think you making it a bigger deal than it is... You and your family are free of latex allergy so you are covered. You also did mention that you will put few pairs of nitrile gloves into your fak so you are acctually being proactive and far sighted. Don't let the potential latex allergy victim handle your bag and you will be fine. I work with latex all day since I prefer the material for better fit while providing pt assesment. Now for my pts with latex allergies I will put on the nitrile gloves but guess what a lot of stuff on the ambulance comes in contact with latex. I'm usually wearing my latex gloves to put my equipment away, to work my bp cuff on alergy free pt, to work the monitor, handle bags and than I grab the same equipment to work on latex alergy pt. Never had a problem... As a metter of fact tubing and inflation bulb for bp cuffs has latex in it again never had a problem. Direct exposure and direct contact will set off the allergy. Otherwise you are good. If you want to be extra careful just ask about alergies, medications and past medical history. Answer to these questions may also give you insight about what's going on currently.