First Aid
Part of being prepared for an emergency is knowing how to respond to provide basic emergency medical needs and assistance to your loved ones, co-workers and even strangers on the street.
Being able to deal with injuries, illnesses and emotional stress during an emergency will help you better control the situation and put you in a position to recover more quickly. To be fully prepared, consider taking a first aid course, as well as CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training. Basic first aid, CPR and AED training sessions can be arranged through organizations including the Red Cross and St. John's Ambulance.
Listings for these organizations can found in the Yellow Pages, and on the Internet. Having a first aid kit is critical in an emergency. Making one is easy, inexpensive and quick - and it could save your life. Your emergency first aid kit should contain adequate supplies to keep you and your family self-sufficient in your home for at least three days. Assemble a second kit for your car.
Assemble the supplies in an easy-to-carry container and store it in an easy to get to location.
Your kit should contain:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Adhesive tape
- Triangular bandages (3 rolls)
- Scissors and tweezers
- Moistened towelettes
- Alcohol-based hand cleaner
- Antiseptic
- Thermometer
- Tongue depressors (2)
- Chemical cold pack
- Petroleum jelly tube
- Safety pins
- Soap
- Vinyl based (non-allergic) medical examination gloves (2 pair)
- Sunscreen/mosquito repellent
- First aid manual
- Non-prescription drugs (pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, laxative, activated charcoal)
For more information on health, matters visit Peace Country Health website or call Health Link Alberta, 1-866-408-5465.