Disasters can happen when we least expect it. Natural calamities can cause serious damage not only on property, but also on a persons physical well-being. When a person gets injured in a disaster, it can be difficult to get immediate medical help.
After a serious natural calamity, government agencies and disaster-management organizations may take a while before they reach affected neighborhoods. It is important to have first aid kits and equipment which will allow you to provide basic medical assistance to injured or sick people.
Having first aid safety kits and knowledge is not only be useful during disasters or calamities. We face different kinds of risks, everyday. Thus, having a first aid kit in our home or in our car assured us that we are prepared for whatever unfortunate event we may face.
First Aid Kits For First Response in an Emergency
There are different kinds of first aid kits available in the market. As mentioned earlier, emergency response teams and medical teams may not be able to reach your area or neighborhood in the soonest time possible. So it is important to have at least a first aid kit which will allow you to provide necessary medical aid.
First responder first aid kits are specifically designed for professionals who often provide first response aid during disasters and emergencies. Though professionally designed, its medical supplies and contents are very much helpful. Aside from CPR devices, first aid responder kits also have wound dressings, bandages, tapes, and gloves.
You may have the proper equipment and supplies, but this will prove to be unimportant if you don’t have the necessary training. Good thing, there are different organizations and medical institutions that provide basic training on proper first aid and response.
For basic first aid kits in your home, American Red Cross recommends basic supplies to be included in the kit, as well, as a first aid instruction booklet:
– Compress dressings
– Adhesive bandages
– Cloth tape
– Antibiotic ointments and antiseptic wipes
– Breathing barriers
– Non-latex gloves
– Roller bandages
– Gauze pads
– Thermometer
– Scissors and tweezers.
72 Hour Emergency Kits for the Home and the Road
A 72-hour kit is meant to be lightweight and easy-to-carry, especially in situations when you need to evacuate immediately. Basic components of 72-hour emergency kits include food, water, bedding, clothing, batteries and flashlight, personal supplies and a good first aid kit.
Families that have babies, members with disability, elderly and even pets may require additional medicines, drugs, and supplies. If you are planning to purchase your first-aid kit, then you would have to consider how it would be used. Kits are usually sorted into categories based on how the number of people they can cater. Usually, a first aid kit for 1-10 people are those found in homes.
Traveling should not affect your preparedness in handling emergency situations. Make sure to have a first aid kit in your car. There are traveling kits specifically designed to be stored in vehicles and fit perfectly in your glove compartment.
Having a 72-hour emergency kit and a good first aid kit can definitely help you and your family during an event of earthquakes or hurricanes. Being prepared will help you battle the effects of disasters on your daily lives, actually, it will help you win half of the battle.