AU2002100197A4 - Medical emergency kit - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE

SPECIFICATION

INNOVATION

PATENT

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

KIT

The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me: MEDICAL EMERGENCY

KIT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a medical kit for use in a medical emergency. The invention is described primarily in relation to situations where a resuscitation procedure must be performed, however it is readily adapted for applicability in other circumstances.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION First aid kits are commonly known and routinely available. Such kits typically include a case or wallet that holds a number of medical products. In addition, a first aid booklet or leaflet may be enclosed containing information on how to respond to a medical emergency and how to make use of the medical supplies provided in the kit.

In US patent number 5,931,304 by Hammond there is described a first aid kit that comprises a carrying case having, on the inside, a number of compartments in the fashion of a miniaturised filing cabinet. Each compartment contains a first aid pack with medical supplies selected for a particular type of emergency. Each of the packs is colour coded with respect to sections of a guidebook that is enclosed with the first aid kit and contains information on how each pack is to be used to respond to a particular type of medical emergency.

In US patent number 5,848,700 to Horn there is described an emergency medical kit that includes a hinged carrying case, somewhat in the form of a briefcase, having upper and lower sections divided into a large number of compartments by a plastic organiser. Each compartment is directed to a particular medical emergency and contains supplies for use in such an emergency. Instructions for handling each type of medical emergency are located on the reverse side of the compartment lids.

SFirst aid kits of the type described are highly portable and particularly suited for use by motorists and ambulance officers. However there are potential problems associated with kits of this type. One problem is that it is often difficult to determine if the first aid kit has a full inventory of supplies or if it requires replenishment. Another difficulty is that because of its portability the entire kit may be difficult to locate in the case of an emergency. For example, a first aid kit may usually be located in a cupboard or first aid cabinet of a factory lunchroom. In that case the fact that the kit is missing may not be realised until such time as it is actually required. A further difficulty with kits of the type described is that the instructions for the use of the kit may be difficult to follow under the stress of an emergency medical situation. Yet another difficulty is that it is frequently the case that personnel do not familiarise themselves with the medical procedures described in the instructions until an emergency has occurred.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical kit which addresses one or more of the above problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a medical emergency kit including: a noticeboard bearing information for addressing a medical emergency; a container containing medical supplies selected to aid in the event of said medical emergency; and detachable engagement means attaching the container to the noticeboard.

Preferably the detachable engagement means comprises a hook and loop attachment system.

In a preferred embodiment the noticeboard bears a reminder to replace the container located at a position that is obscured when the container is engaged by the noticeboard.

The emergency kit may also bear an inventory of the medical supplies in the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a medical emergency kit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the medical emergency kit of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view close-up of the medical emergency kit of Figure 1 with medical supplies container of the medical emergency kit detached from the noticeboard of the medical emergency kit.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the container in an opened configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to Figure 1, there is depicted a preferred embodiment of a first aid kit 2, according to the present invention. The first aid kit includes a noticeboard 4 designed for mounting to a wall, and a container 6, which is detachably attached to the notice board as will be explained.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the first aia kit shown in Figure 1. Noticeboard 4 bears information for addressing a medical emergency in the form of text and diagrams 8. In the preferred embodiment being explained with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the medical emergency in question is that of a heart attack or a cardiac arrest. Accordingly the text and diagrams borne by the notice board contain information on how to perform procedures to aid a heart attack or cardiac arrest victim. Container 6 consists of two wings 16 and 18 with a connecting hinge 14 at one end and a clasp arrangement, not shown, at the other.

Figure 3 shows container 6 removed from noticeboard 2 and turned upside down, thereby revealing a means for detachably engaging the container with the noticeboard in the form of a fabric hook and loop attachment system. The hook and look attachment system comprises patches 8 and 10 which are fixed to container 6 and noticeboard 4 respectively. Hook and loop systems are commercially available and marketed, for example, under the name VELCRO Although a hook and loop system is the preferred detachable engagement means for removably attaching the container to the noticeboard, other arrangements are also possible. For example a press-stud system might be used or even a bracket fixed to the noticeboard and shaped to hold the container.

A message 12 stating that the container is missing from its normal position is located at a position that is obscured when the container is engaged by the noticeboard. An inventory list 14 of the items normally stored in the container also appears adjacent the normal resting place of container 8.

Figure 4 shows container 6 opened to reveal a valved resuscitation mask The container also holds latex free gloves, various skin cleaners and any other medical supplies that might be required to deal with the medical emergency addressed by text and diagrams 8. in use medical kit 2 is bolted, or otherwise attached, to a suitable mounting surface, for example a workplace wall, by means of mounting holes 22 (Figure It is preferable that the medical kit be located in a position where noticeboard 4 is readily visible to a large number of people so that passers-by may read the noticeboard at their leisure and prior to the occurrence of an emergency.

In the event of an emergency container 6 is detached from noticeboard 4, opened as shown in Figure 4, and its contents removed for application to the petient in the manner described on the noticeboard. After the emergency has passed the container is not returned to its resting position on the noticeboard until its standard contents have been replenished. That the container has not been returned to its resting position is readily apparent by the large vacant space 24 (Figure 3) left void on noticeboard 4 and by reminder message 12. Inventory list 14 facilitates ready checking of the container to ensure that it contains a full complement of required medical supplies. In the presently described preferred embodiment the inventory list is located on the notice board however it could be located on another portion of the kit. For example it might instead be located on the outside of the container.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to a medical emergency in the form of a heart attack or cardiac arrest, it will be realised that it may be readily adapted to deal with other types of medical emergency. Adaptation involves revision of the instructional information and diagrams borne by the noticeboard and a corresponding change to the contents of container 6. Where more medical supplies are required than might readily fit in one container, or where supplies of different types are to be kept separate, two or more containers may be used each being detachably attached to the noticeboard.

Various changes and modifications to the embodiment described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without compromising its object. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (4)

1. A medical emergency kit including: a noticeboard bearing information for addressing a medical emergency; a container containing medical supplies selected to aid in the event of said medical emergency; and detachable engagement means attaching the container to the noticeboard.

2. A medical emergency kit according to claim 1 wherein the detachable engagement means comprises a hook and loop attachment system.

3. A medical emergency kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the noticeboard bears a reminder to replace the container, said reminder located at a position that is obscured when the container is engaged by the noticeboard.

4. A medical emergency kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the medical emergency kit bears an inventory of the medical supplies in the container. A medical emergency kit substantially as described herein with respect to the Figures. PR Medical Pty Ltd (ABN 25 079 291 679) By my attorneys Eagar Newcomb Buck Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys