First Aid Kit

Project Instructions

Assemble a first aid kit for a specific pet: This is a project that every member should do if they haven’t put one together already.  Not only is the knowledge gained useful, but the kit itself is great for any pet owner to have on hand.  While almost all kits would have certain basic elements in common, members should also think about what specific items they need for the selected pet.  You will need to organize items in some kind of container.  Tackle boxes and tool boxes with compartments are popular choices and can be found at stores like Walmart and Ocean State Job Lots.

Criteria:  Entries will be judged on the following criteria:  1: Completeness:  Does the kit include all elements that one would expect to find in a pet first aid kit?  For example, almost all kits would be expected to include items like bandages. The resources link should help you determine what should be in a first aid kit.  2. Specialization:  Has the member considered what specific items are needed for the chosen pet? 3.  Organization:  Can items be found easily?  Are compartments labeled? Etc.  4. Creativity/research:  Here judges are looking for evidence that the member has done more than just buy items from a list.  Maybe there are some unexpected but useful items.  Or, in the past, members have done things like included a list of references or an instruction manual. 

For members who have already made a first aid kit.  While it’s useful to make a first aid kit after members already have a kit, they may want to do something else for this project.  Here are some options:

Upgrade/alter first aid kit:  Members can take their first aid kit and change it for re-submission.  Maybe they specialize it for a different animal or find a way to improve the presentation.  This option is an attempt to keep costs down and make it so members don’t have to buy all new materials.  However, there is a bit of an honor code here as we ask kids to make the kit substantially different…more than just buying one or two new items.

Essay:  Juniors should write a one page (double spaced) essay and seniors should write two pages.  The topic should be on the use of one of the items found in the first aid kit such as how to use a tourniquet.  Essays will be evaluated for the quality of the information and the written presentation of that information (grammar, organization, etc.)

Instructional Video:  4Hers should create a video about how to perform a specific first aid treatment.  Juniors should create 3 to 4 minute videos and seniors should create videos that are about 5 minutes in length.  No videos should be longer than 7 minutes.  It would be nice to include the use of their kit in this video.  For guidance on creating instructional videos see the submissions for the Connecticut 4-H contest.  Videos will be judged on the information presented, the public speaking ability of the presenter, and the quality of the video (lighting, framing, etc.).

Resources:  

Here are some links that will be helpful for completing the project:

Pro Tips (From Experienced Members)

Save money where you can:  Tackle boxes that you can find at places like Walmart or Job Lots make excellent first aid kits and are quite reasonable.  Also, you can find specialty items for pets in the pet section, but if you check the pharmacy section for humans you might find the same thing for much less.  For example, you might find bandaging for dogs, but find almost the same thing for humans at a much cheaper price.

Keep it simple:  For first time members and especially for younger members you don't want to get too hung up on winning to start.  Part of being judged at the club level is to teach members what they can improve on.  The focus for the first time, therefore, should be on what you need for your pet.  The Red Cross Guide (linked below) is a good place to start, but even it is a pretty extensive list.  There are several kinds of wound wraps listed, for example, and maybe you only need one of these to start.  Stay focused and then if you decide you have the room in your kit and the budget, you can add to it.  Otherwise, you can see what the judges say and you can improve it for the fair or even next year.

Focus on organization:  The judges are going to look to see that items can be found in your first aid kit but, more importantly, you'll want to be able to find items if you have a pet emergency.  Try to have them organized and, where possible, labeled.  Look for tackle boxes that have compartments of various sizes or are even adjustable.

First Aid Kit Guides:

Red Cross Pet First Aid List: A good place to start.  Gives a basic list of what is expected.  Certainly you aren't expected to buy everything on this list but it gives a good idea of the common items.

Dog First Aid Kit: A more specific list for dogs.

Cat First Aid Kit: And here is one for a cat.

Fish First Aid Kit:  Yes, there are even suggestions for fish.

Other Resources:

Hartford County 4H Video Entries If you're thinking of making a video, it might be helpful to look at these winning videos from the Hartford County 4H instructional video contest.

How to do a 4H Presentation  Also, if you are making a video it would be useful to look at the 4H guide to making a presentation.

Guide to 4H Public Speaking Part of making a video is public speaking, so this guide would also be useful.