The importance of preparing ourselves for emergencies is universal. Disasters, illnesses, and other emergencies can happen to anyone regardless of age, location, or status in life.
With that said, it is the best idea to learn basic first aid and emergency protocols. Having the right skills and knowledge will ensure that you can respond quickly and appropriately in an emergency. These situations can strike anytime, anywhere, and we will never know when a situation will arise that will demand quick thinking, calm nerves, and a little bit of first aid know-how.
While natural disasters and health emergencies cannot always be avoided, we can prepare for them. Here are 4 steps you can do to be emergency ready.
Injury Prevention
The famous line “prevention is better than cure” applies to this situation. It is far better to take preventative measures than try to mend the problem afterwards. The best step you can take towards injury prevention is education. Take time to learn the potential risks, hazards, and other most common emergencies that could affect you and those near you—research about different types of natural disasters and which of those can most likely happen in your area. Nothing beats being informed when it comes to prevention.
Take Emergency Action Steps
A clear action plan is a good way to streamline your responses during an emergency. Consider different types of emergencies such as a house fire, a hurricane, or unexpected injury. Create an emergency action plan for each of those and break down your plan into steps – before, during, and after. Establish an emergency communication plan and have an emergency supply ready (water, food, and medications).
Have a complete first aid kit ready
A first aid kit is a standard item to have in your home, car, and workplace in any emergency. A first aid kit contains items such as bandages, gauze, scissors, and gloves. It is usually stocked with medical supplies such as antiseptic wipes, antibiotics, aspirin, and ointments. First aid kits can be tailored based on the need of the people that will use them. Keep it in a location that is accessible to the adults but out of the prying eyes of the children.
First Aid Training
During an emergency, the best thing you can do is to stay cool under pressure. Panicking can only hamper your critical thinking and ability to respond quickly. Therefore, First Aid Training should be a part of your emergency preparation. A good first aid training session will teach you how to be an effective first responder and help you remain calm while responding to a variety of emergencies.
Take charge and take control to be as emergency prepared as possible. Enrol in a quality first aid course to get the best training in emergency preparedness. Learn how to perform CPR, use an AED, and other first-aid skills that can save a life.
For more information, go to firstaidproadelaide.com.au/calendar
