Courthouse first-aid kits will be updated quarterly

First aid kits in the Antelope County courthouse, in Neligh, will be freshly stocked each quarter, following an Aug. 1 vote by commissioners approving a new provider, Cintas, to fulfill the duties.

Zee Medical formerly performed the service.

County clerk Lisa Payne told commissioners, "It is nice to have someone check that. I know I can say 'I'm going to do that,' but it's usually one of the last things I do."

Cintas will update any products close to or at its expiration date. To get the current kit up to date, it will cost $189.

The service costs approximately $189.

Chairman Charlie Henery said quarterly updates will be adequate.

"It's a safety thing," Henery said. "If someone gets outdated eyewash and squirts it in their eyes, it's not a good deal."

Road superintendent Aaron Boggs said common items, like aspirin or ibuprofen, won't be necessary in the kits.

"I think everyone is capable of bringing their own ibuprofen," Henery said.

"That's not really a taxpayer responsibility if I have a headache," Payne noted.

According to Boggs, OSHA rule changes from last fall establish Class A and Class B kits.

"Lee and I should get Class A," Boggs said. "It depends on how many people you serve."

Commissioner Keith Heithoff asked to see what supplies are included in a kit.

"To really have a good kit, we have to negate the biggest injuries we have. We have a lot of machinery there. Maybe tear a finger off or break a leg. The burns are a problem too. I think our kits need to represent that kind of safety. A bandage isn't going to fix you if you tear your arm off, a tourniquet will," Heithoff said.

"This is just a first aid, which means first aid," Henery replied.

"To me, this is more of a comfort aid," Heithoff interjected. "First aid, to me, is a Class A accident, where you have a certain problem. The first 10 minutes of an accident can determine if you live or die."

He suggested supervisors have a higher-level bag.

"I think a Class A kit will do," Bogs said.

"If we're going to have a kit and pay for a kit, let's have a good one, Heithoff said.

Discussion ensured on differences between kits at the courthouse and on the road crews.

Heithoff suggested reviewing medical emergencies from the past five years to determine what supplies or type of kits will be necessary.

Supervisors approved purchasing the $189 kit update for the courthouse, with all commissioners voting in favor, except Krebs, who was absent.

Boggs will determine what kit will be needed for his department and will address commissioners at a later date.