Families And First Aid
Families should strive to learn the basics of first aid. The truth is that in most communities the average response time for local EMS (Emergency Medical Service) is longer than ten minutes. If family members know even basic first aid, it could make all the difference in those first critical minutes of a medical emergency.
Benefits Of CPR
The basics of first aid should include a course in CPR. There are a variety of organizations that offer courses in CPR. Many communities will sponsor courses as well as local hospitals and the American Red Cross. A course in CPR will teach the basics in cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation.
With the rise of heart attacks and strokes the chances are that every individual has a close family member or friend that is highly at risk and knowing CPR could mean the difference between life and death for a loved one. CPR training can also make a difference in a drowning emergency. It is a tragedy how many young children die from drowning accidents that might have been saved with CPR. Don't let the unthinkable happen without having the knowledge and the ability to do something about it.
Emergencies Caused By Bleeding
Other important basic first aid skills that family members should have knowledge in would be treating and controlling bleeding. There are a few basic principles to control bleeding that could save a life. Learn these skills of what to do and almost as important, what not to do.
These life saving skills can also be learned in courses sponsored by the community and hospital and other health organizations. Even doing some research on the internet can enlighten individuals one what to do in critical emergencies such as bleeding.
Emergencies Caused By Exposure To The Elements
There are treatments relating treatment of the body's exposure to the elements such as treating hypothermia, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and even sunburns. In addition, knowing how to treat insect bites, poisonous plants, as well as snake bites. Having a working knowledge of these treatments will be more than likely put to use if a family spends much time in the outdoors.
Other Emergencies
Other first aid skills a family should be trained on would be treating chronic conditions, such as asthma and diabetes. Also, being aware of allergies that family members have and the severity of the reactions they experience when exposed to certain foods or medicines can also play a large part in being able to avoid an emergency or treat an active emergency. It would be encouraged that all families seek first aid training on an annual basis. One never knows when an emergency will strike and it pays to be prepared to face any emergency.
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