First Aid for You

Imagine for just one moment that a major earthquake has just occurred in a nearby town. Because you live in a neighboring city or town you feel the earthquake quite strongly. You are taken by surprise and the first thing that comes to mind is the safety of your family. You dash underneath a large table and hope that the table will not collapse from the falling debris. After the trembling stops, you call out for your kids and are thankful that everyone is responding. But as you walk through to check up on everyone, you notice that your home is absolutely ruined. What do you do next? You're trapped in your home and have no communication between you and the outside world. The earthquake is so destructive that authorities and relief agencies will take approximately 72 hours to reach you and provide your family with any necessary aid. Now you discover that your smallest child is dizzy from a nearby gas fire and looses consciousness and has experienced some severe major cuts and bruises. What do you do now?

Although, this scenario is unpleasant to think about, we need to realize that emergencies are real! Whether an injury occurs during a major emergency or on a camping trip, the urgency is the same. Infections or loss of blood can be serious and perhaps even fatal. That is why it is important to have emergency supplies, particularly first aid items on hand to provide relief for your own family.
Over the years, we have received calls from hundreds of people asking questions regarding emergency first aid. Here are some commonly asked questions that can help you eliminate unneeded stress or injury--before an emergency actually occurs!

Where do I start? What first aid items will I need?

You can get a good head start by purchasing a preassembled first aid kit. You will find that most preassembled kits have been put together through much feedback given by those who have experienced injury during a crisis. Some basic first aid essentials include gauze, tape, adhesive strips, scissors, antibiotic ointment, bandages, burn treatment bandages or lotions, rash or itching creams, thermometer, arm splint, tweezers, safety pins, pain reliever, prescription medications, antiseptic towelettes, ammonia inhalant, instant ice packs, sponges, eye washes, rubbing alcohol, etc. Although pre-assembled kits contain the most common items needed during emergencies, it is important to gather items that fit your particular needs. Prescriptions such as medications for asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression etc. are crucial for first aid kits. Also be sure to include special items needed by small children or the elderly.

Kits come in all sizes and range from just basic items to professional surgical kits. First, determine what items you will need the most and how much you will need for each item. For example, families with small children will probably need extra bandages and items for scrapes and cuts. Or, you can specialize a first aid kit to meet a particular need or situation (ie. auto first aid kit, camping kit, home first aid, business first aid, etc.) Second, you should purchase a kit that contains items that best suit your needs. It is useless to have a professional kit that contains items you do not know how to use, or to have a kit that is to basic to treat emergency needs.

Where is the best place to store my first aid kit?

You should keep a portable first aid kit in your 72-hour kit. You will find that if all items are kept in an easy-to-access, convenient part of your home or automobile, you can grab your essentials without having to scramble to find your emergency essentials. A common mistake is to overload your first aid or 72 hour kit. Remember that your kits should be lightweight and easy to carry. In order to survive most natural disasters, you are required to act quickly, so first aid items, along with other emergency items, should be kept in a compact, lightweight compartment such as a duffel bag, back pack, or carrying case. Do not keep your kits in a hard to reach place such as an attic or storage closets.

What if I can't afford to buy a comprehensive first aid kit?

Keep in mind that a first aid kit is an investment like an insurance policy. Some people may prefer to purchase a portable stereo or a new outfit over a first aid or 72 hour kit. But, those who have lived through an emergency either regret not having had the needed supplies or are relieved that they planned ahead and invested wisely. If budget is a concern, start small. Start with the most important items such as bandages and pain relievers first. Then, as your budget permits, start adding to the items you already have.

Basically, remember that first aid items can help save lives during a crisis. It is easier to invest the time and money in first aid supplies once you understand what a difference this kind of preparation can make during an emergency. Once you have purchased supplies, begin learning more about first aid relief and learn how to properly use your supplies (especially first aid kits that have surgical supplies or other items that may be difficult to use without prior knowledge and practice). By combining knowledge with the appropriate supplies, you can make a difference and help save lives during an emergency. But this can only happen if you put first aid first.