Tuesday, December 1, 2009

December is First Aid Month

Do 1 Thing…First Aid

The mission of www.do1thing.us is to move individuals, families, organizations, businesses, and communities to prepare for all hazards and become disaster resilient.

THE GOAL: Be prepared to deal with medical emergencies while waiting for first responders.

Do One Thing (choose one thing to do this month):

*Buy ready made first aid kits for your home and your car.

*Make a first aid kit from items you have at home or can purchase for low cost.

*Make sure everyone knows where the first aid kits are located.

*Take training in first aid, CPR and AED usage.

*Take a pet first aid class.

First Aid: Knowing What to Do
Do you know what to do in a medical emergency? Actions you take in the first few minutes after an injury or other medical incident may save someone’s life.

An emergency can happen at any time and any place. Many public locations have a first aid kit, oxygen, or an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to treat people. Airports, workplaces, places of worship, and malls are placing these items so that quick access can make the difference between a tragic incident and a temporary setback. These items can only save lives if someone knows how to use them.

Knowing how to apply a bandage, take care of a broken limb, knowing the signs and symptoms of shock, how to properly maintain an open airway, perform CPR, use an AED, and knowing the information a dispatcher will need when you call 911 is not as hard to learn as you might think.

Contact your local fire department or American Red Cross chapter to learn what first aid classes are available in your area. Ask your employer if they will sponsor a class for your workplace, or take a class with your family or on your own. Many classes are offered free of charge. Courses may also be offered at your place of worship, school, or community organization. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training also includes first aid training.

First Aid: Having the Things You Need to Help
Ready made first aid kits are available at most department stores or your local American Red Cross chapter. These kits come in a variety of sizes and prices. You can also make your own kit from supplies you already probably have around the home.

Some items that should be included in a basic first aid kit are:


• Adhesive Tape
• Antiseptic Ointment
• Band-Aids (assorted sizes)
• Blanket
• Cold Pack
• Disposable Gloves
• Gauze Pads and Roller Gauze (asst sizes)
• Hand Sanitizer (liquid or wipes)
• Plastic Bags
• Scissors and Tweezers
• Small Flashlight and Extra Batteries
• Triangular Bandage

http://www.do1thing.us/december.php