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First aid is a foundation of information that we all need to know. There are several types of first aid and anyone can benefit from getting the first aid training out there. The good news is that it is fairly easy to find this information. You will find that there are a number of different organizations that provide you with this information. You will also be able to find first aid training from local hospitals, the Red Cross or other areas. First aid is something we will all need in our time. The bad news is that only a few people will be equipped to take care of problems as they arise and that is very sad news as well.

First aid is a term given to the many various life saving techniques that the layperson can perform when there is not a medical person in the area. In fact, first aid can and should be administers as needed until someone arrives to help in the emergency. Effective training is necessary when it comes to first aid. You can’t just do it, you need to know how to do it first. It is recommended that individuals get training every two years to update them on new procedures to help safeguard the individuals that are at risk.

First aid is often taught in a series of lessons that tell you to perform four steps whenever there is an emergency situation. Here are what those steps are:

First, assess what has happened. Determine if the patient is in need of being moved or if the situation puts you at risk of being hurt if you do help them.

Then, assess the patient to see how well they are, if they can or should be moved and then act accordingly.

Third, in first aid you will need to call for help. Use whatever means are necessary to get help.

Finally, do the best you can to help the patient. In other words, do what you have been trained to do to help them.

There are many cases in which first aid will be necessary. Taking whatever steps you can to help individuals is something we all need to do. Getting first aid training is the crucial first step. Don’t wait, because even a day is too long and could be too late.

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There are an estimated 300,000 casualties from road accidents every year in the UK and knowing some First Aid could help save a life. Carrying a First Aid kit in a car or on a motorcycle is highly recommended, so that there is basic equipment available should there be an accident.

It must be stressed that there is no comparison to going on a First Aid training course, and that the following advice must be taken in that context. www.sja.org.uk is the St John’s Ambulance website where more information about going on a First Aid course can be found.

These are some basic tips to help in a road accident situation in which there is a casualty:

1. Make sure the area is safe

It is important to make sure that there is no further danger at the scene of the road accident. Ensure that approaching cars are aware of the hazard and turn off the ignitions of the vehicles involved. Ask a bystander (if there are any) to call the emergency services as soon as possible.

Take a few moments to view the site of the car accident and to look at the casualty to see what kinds of injuries are likely to have been sustained. If it is possible that the casualty has suffered trauma, and may have broken bones, head injuries, neck injuries, or internal injuries, it is essential that they are not moved.

2. Check if the casualty is conscious

See if the road accident casualty is conscious or unconscious by tapping them on their collarbone and shouting to them. If they are unable to talk, ask if they can open their eyes.

If the casualty is a motorcyclist, do not remove the helmet, whether the casualty is conscious or not. Helmet removal must only be carried out by trained medics because if it is done wrongly, it can cause additional injuries.

3. Check the casualty’s airway

First aid authorities recommend the following action to check and clear a casualty’s airway. To check if it is clear, place a hand on their forehead, and gently tilt the head back. Look in their mouth to see if there is any visible obstruction, such as their tongue having fallen back into their throat. Once this is done this, lift their chin using 2 fingers. This helps the airway to clear.

If the casualty has broken bones or other trauma, such as neck or back injuries, avoid moving their head at all, just raise the chin.

20% of the fatalities on Britain’s roads are caused by obstruction of the airway, so making sure it is clear is a priority. If unsure how to go about it, check if any of the bystanders have First Aid knowledge, or speak to the emergency services operator.

4. Check the casualty’s breathing

It is useful to be able to tell the emergency services whether the casualty is breathing or not, and this can be done by:

- Listening to the mouth for sounds of breathing

- Feeling for breathing by placing your cheek over the mouth

- Watching the chest for signs of rising and falling

5. Symptoms and treatment of shock

A road accident casualty who has gone into shock shows symptoms such as cold, clammy skin, rapid and shallow breathing, thirst, and a rapid, weak pulse. Shock is caused by loss of blood, and means that oxygen is not travelling around the body properly.

To help slow down shock until medical assistance arrives, try to keep the person warm with coats or blankets, reassure them, and, if possible, get them to lie on the ground with their legs raised. Slowing the loss of blood is something you may be able to do if it is caused by an external wound, but not if the blood is being lost internally.

6. Slowing an external loss of blood

Wear disposable gloves if possible, and look and feel for blood on and under the casualty. To staunch a bleeding wound that has nothing embedded in it, apply direct pressure to it. Ideally use a dressing, but if a dressing is not available then your hand should be sufficient. If there is something in the wound that should not be there, such as glass for example, do not apply direct pressure to it, but press it together from the sides.

A First Aid course will teach these skills in a lot more detail, as well as teaching additional skills such as CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). Learning what to do for casualties in a road accident is something that could save lives, and a short course with a First Aid authority is highly recommended.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a road accident and are considering a personal injury claim,

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Did you ever think about having an emergency first aid kit on hand specifically for your rabbit health, just like you might have for yourself and your family?

Emergencies can happen any time, and, according to Murphy’s law at the most inopportune of times: a holiday or a weekend when your regular rabbit-savvy vet isn’t in. Even if your vet is in, you’ll find it’s important to have an emergency kit for bunny on hand.

You should include some, if not all, of the following items in your rabbit first aid kit:

* Baby food or canned pumpkin to mix: Use then when your bunny refuses to eat; it’s easy to get the baby food or canned pumpkin into a syringe.

* Critical Care by Oxbow: the same as baby food and canned pumpkin, you’ll use this when your bunny refuses to eat. However, Critical Care is only available through your vet’s office.

* Gas medication (Simethicone) in case of a gas emergency. Various brands are acceptable including Gas-X. For a detailed way to administer the medication as well as for proper dosages, look on www.bio.miami.edu for the article on bunny gastrointestinal problems.

* Basic Neosporin (the non-pain relief type.) You can use this if your bunny has a minor cut or wound.

* Flour: this is the trick if you trim your bunny’s nails a little too short, and they begin to bleed. Simply dip her paw into the flour.

* Gauze and cotton to care for wounds.

* Scissors (to carefully trim the fur surrounding a bunny wound.)

* Syringes of various sizes

* Saline (for washing out eyes in an emergency.)

* Eyedropper (to administer the saline.)

* Heating pad: you’ll use this if your bunny goes into hypothermia.

* Tweezers

When Bunny Get Fleas

Like other animals, rabbits are prone to fleas. Fleas can be treated with a trip to the vet. It is extremely important that your bunny see a bunny-savvy vet as certain flea dips can kill your pets! A bunny-savvy vet will know the proper type of flea medication to prescribe. You should knowand be sure to rememberFrontline should NEVER be used on rabbits. For excellent information on fleas and why not to use Frontline, join the Etherbun list and read through the archives. (This is probably a good idea anyway, as you’ll obtain a wealth of information and valuable advice from fellow bunny owners and experts.)

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First Aid for Electric Shock Victims
Someone who is in direct contact with electrical current needs immediate help. The victim may be unable to move because of muscle spasms, or may be unconscious. Rescuing such a person can be very dangerous. If you touch the victim, you yourself may get caught by the current and become a second victim.

Making sure that you are not stepping in any electrified water on the floor, try to unplug the appliance (turning it off is not good enough) or better yet, turn off the power at the electrical panel. If for any reason turning off the power is not possible, try and get a long piece of wood (a broom handle will do) or anything else that will not conduct electricity, and try to push the current away from the victim. You can also try some dry rope or clothing, and possibly loop it around the victim’s arm or leg, pulling them free of the current.

PLEASE NOTE: If someone is being electrocuted by high-voltage current, do not go near them. High voltage currents can arc (jump) as far as 7 meters. Normal types of insulation will not protect you. Call for emergency help.

Unless there is immediate danger, do not move the victim. Keep him/her lying down. Unconscious victims should be placed on their side to allow drainage of fluids. Do not move the victim if there is a suspicion of neck or spine injuries unless absolutely necessary.If the victim is not breathing, apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If the victim has no pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Then cover the victim with a blanket to maintain body heat, keep the victims head low and get medical attention.

Stay with the victim until help arrives

First Aid for Electrical Burn Victims

Electrical burns vary in severity depending upon: (1) how long the body was in contact with the electric current; (2) the strength of the current; (3) the type of current; and (4) the direction the current takes though the body. Most severe burns are painless, due to the damaged nerves. Often these burns are deep. Electrical burn wounds may look minor on the outside, but could be severe on the inside.

If the person is conscious and there are no signs of shock (such as pale and clammy skin, weakness, bluish lips and fingernails, having a rapid pulse, and decreasing alertness), begin treating the burned area. Do not touch burns, break blisters, or remove burned clothing. Do not apply grease or oil to the burn. Cover the burn with a dry, sterile dressing. Continue to keep the victim from getting chilled. Seek medical help as soon as possible.

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First aid kits come in different shapes, sizes and prices. They are available as pre-packaged kits designed for specific purposes, such as for the home, pets, auto, camping, boating, golfing, welding, landscaping, trucking, logging, burn care, bloodbourne pathogen, emergency response, industrial, ommercial and etc. You can also elect to make your own, although this may work out to be more expensive and time consuming as each item is purchased individually. The important part of any first aid kit is that it suits you and your lifestyle or work place.

First Aid Kit Contents

Before deciding the contents of your first aid kit, list out all activities you commonly participate in. Do you go camping? Do you or any member of your family play contact sports? Are you on the road a lot? Is it for industrial use? How many people is the first aid kit for? It is very important that the first aid kit contents match up to your lifestyle or your workplace environment. Once you have a basic idea of where a first aid kit will come in handy, you can start planning the contents of your kit.

Many first aid kits attempt to sell a kit comprised of a box of adhesive bandages and a few tablets. How many different type of injuries will this kit treat? Not very many! Don’t be fooled by quantity of components, look for variety of components! The idea is to include components for real life emergencies, not what might let the kit sell for a few dollars less.

Any first aid kit should contain at least something from the following groups: Antiseptics (something to kill germs to prevent infection), Injury treatment (items to deal with injuries such as butterfly closures and cold compresses), Bandages (a variety of bandages to dress and cover a variety of wounds), Instruments (tweezers, barrier gloves), and Medicines.

For example, a basic first aid kits, or starter kits, should consist of the following items:

· A first aid manual
· Tweezers
· Sharp scissors
· Splinter Remover
· Thermometer
· Safety Pins
· Elastic Gauze (conforming bandages)
· Sterile Gauze
· Adhesive bandages in assorted shapes and sizes
· Triangular bandage
· First aid tape
· Antiseptic Ointment
· Calamine Lotion
· Antiseptic Wipes
· Alcohol Wipes
· Cotton tipped applicators
· Aspirin and Ibuprofen Tablets
· Vinyl or latex gloves
· Resuscitation Face Shield
· Anti-Inflammatory Cream
· Sodium Chloride Solution
· Sterile eye pad
· Your prescription medications

What you keep the contents in is up to you. Nowadays, first aid kits come in plastic case, metal case or durable soft-pack. The type you choose is dependant on the purpose of the kit and where it will be stored.

First Aid Kit Supplies and Refills

Finding supplies and restocking your first aid kit is not always easy. Drug stores often carry a limited number of lines, and the prices on individual items is rather expensive. First aid kit supplies can be found online however, and the range is enormous. You can build your kit to your hearts content, and there’s plenty more items to choose from, usually at better pricing.

Buying first aid supplies online is especially useful for restocking industrial first aid kits. When you need to order in quantity, yet varying amounts of each item, online shopping is great. You can order select specific quantities of each product, and have them delivered right to the site.

For the home user, a drug store is probably best for topping up small easy to find items. If you do need to order harder to find products, or buy a few items at a time, online shopping may be an option

Where to buy First Aid Kits online

Online shopping has progressed a long way in recent years, especially with items that are normally difficult to find, or are overpriced in the stores. First aid kits are one of the items that the internet has done wonders for. There is a huge selection of first aid kits online, ranging from the most comprehensive industrial and emergency first response kits, through to the lighter than light kids travel kits. This kind of range would never be available to the public so readily if it weren’t for online shopping. Not only is there a huge range, but it’s usually at prices below retail, and delivered direct to your door. Rather than putting off the notion of buying a first aid kit, you now have little to no excuse, as they are only a few clicks away. If you are ready to buy first aid kits online, Yahoo! maintains a directory of online stores offering first aid products, as does DMOZ. You can also try Googling or an online store like FirstAidKitCentre.com. If you are still a little skeptical of online shopping, try a local drug store, or perhaps a local red cross chapter.

Learn First Aid

The other essential ingredient that should accompany all first aid kits are people who know how to use it. At a bare minimum, you should be familiar with basic first aid techniques.

Accidents, disasters, and emergencies, can happen anywhere; at work, home, or play. You may be the person thrust into the firing line when something happens, and you should be prepared. There may be a lengthy delay before medical response due to location, adverse conditions, or lack of communications. At a time like this it is up to you to commence first aid or CPR, and your knowledge, or lack thereof, may effect the outcome. A first aid manual is also a handy addition, and can fill in the blanks for those more obscure times.

If you have children, it is your role to protect them and aid them when needed. Techniques used on kids are different to those of adults, and you should take the time to learn more about this type of first aid.

Where to learn first aid?

The American Red Cross runs first aid, CPR, and external defibrillator courses designed for the home, workplace, and professional rescuers. Courses are offered throughout the country, and internationally through local red cross chapters.

There are also a great number of First Aid Manuals. Having a first aid manual on hand can be just as important as first aid supplies. It is difficult for us to remember what to do in each and every emergency situation, and unless you are using your first aid skills day in, day out, it’s easy to forget

everything you have learnt. Many first aid kits come stocked with first aid manuals. If you haven’t yet bought a kit, try to find one that also includes a guide. If you already have a kit, there are a number of options available. Next time you stock up on first aid supplies add a first aid manual to your shopping list. Amazon.com offers a huge range of first aid manuals (and first aid kits), so next time you’re picking up a few books, CDs, DVDs, or anything else from Amazon, place a first aid manual in your shopping basket as well

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Your getting ready for your next camping trip, there are many things that come to mind when you are making your to do list. Air out the tent, make your grocery list, get maps, check out the attractions around the area. Generally, you think about the fun stuff! But one of the best things you can do to prepare for a great camping trip is to prepare for a safe camping trip. You need to think about first aid. You need to have a safety and rescue plan for every likely emergency scenario that could come up in an outdoor environment. Let’s approach the subject of camping first aid with three “E”’s.

Equipment:

Start with a good first aid kit. You can buy one or just put together your own list of essentials. There are many good web resources for putting together a kit. One tip is to make a larger first aid kit that you keep in the car. A tool box full of various bandages and medicines will be great for camping beside your car. But it is also essential to have a kit that you can take with you while backpacking or day hiking. You won’t want to lug the first aid tool box with you! So you will need to put together only the essentials for your hiking first aid kit.

Education:

Next, discuss a list of “what if” scenarios with everyone on the trip. Good campers and hikers have thought about what to do for prevention of accidents and rescue from emergency situations. A good first aid course is the best education for this type of training. Many community agencies like the YMCA or the Red Cross offer first aid courses all through out the year. Children and adults alike need to have thought out what to do when they are lost, facing bad weather, suffering from insect bites, hanging around campfires and a whole host of other potentially dangerous situations. You would never want to ruin your trip with being morbid, but you might consider playing a “what if” game in the car on the way to your destination and discuss what to do if a first aid or emergency situation should occur.

Experience:

No one wants to go looking for an emergency situation, but you can do several things to gain some experience with first aid before you actually need it. As a parent, if one of your children experiences a minor injury that you plan on taking care of yourself let the other children in your family watch and help as you administer first aid. This should only be done with the permission of the other child and in appropriate circumstances. First aid courses as mentioned above generally take a hands-on approach to training and provide opportunities to learn about bandaging, CPR and other procedures. Finally, if you have first aid experience look for opportunities to point out things to avoid during the trip to those traveling with you. Try not to be annoying though, no one likes a know it all!

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“First do no harm” is one of the most important things to keep in mind. Keeping a first aid kit in your home, and in the car, is the best way to make sure you can provide your little ones with the first aid they may need. Make sure to keep your first aid kit up to date by checking expiration dates on the triple antibiotic ointments, eye saline solution, and other items you may have in your kit, such as Benedryl, that you have added after talking to your doctor and getting the proper dosage.

Having the right items in your kit is important too. In addition to the basics, instant ice packs (small 4 X 6 inches) are wonderful for boo boos at home and especially away, since they don’t need to be refrigerated before use. Another item, A two inch conforming gauze wrap (stretchier than regular gauze) is also important to have in your kit. If it not sterile, just make sure to use a sterile gauze pad first if there are breaks in the skin and then wrap the injury with the gauze wrap.

It is a huge help to take a short class in basic first aid (and CPR) as many things have changed in recent years and techniques and products have made tremendous leaps. The key to being able to give your children the best first aid care is to take the time to get to know your first aid kit and make sure you know what to do with all of the items and to keep it up to date and stocked with items that you and your doctor feel is necessary.

Some of the new blood stopping powders are also a great thing to check out. We have been using a product called “Trauma Dex” and it has proven to work wonderfully, similar to styptic powder, without the burn, and all natural. It doesn’t have to be rinsed off before going to the Emergency Room either. There are quite a few products similar to this out there. Find one you like and feel comfortable with and keep it in your first aid kit.

Last, but certainly not least, is having all of your emergency numbers in a place that everyone caring for your children know where to look and who to call. The list should also have your address listed on it, so that anyone can give the emergency personnel the correct address. Make sure to have a current listing complete with your local poison control number, pediatrician’s information, any allergy information to be passed on. Doing a mock emergency drill is a great way to make sure you have everything covered, and can be done in your home or at a childcare provider’s address. Knowing that you have the basics covered will give you and your children more knowledge and comfort when bumps and bruises occur.

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Caring for children is likely to be the most important responsibility any of us will ever have. It makes no difference if you are caring for your brothers and sisters, babysitting for a neighbor’s children or raising your own family. Whether you are 13 or 30 years old, your primary responsibility as a care provider is the HEALTH, SAFETY and WELFARE of those in your care.

Everyone who cares for children needs to learn basic First Aid and CPR. And if you are caring for the very young, the training must include special instruction relevant to newborns and infants. A Babysitting course will help prepare you as a young care-provider for the responsibilities involved in babysitting. The right training and education will give you confidence, make you a highly desired sitter and help protect children in your care.

Most families have a first aid kit in their car and another at home. It is important because you never know when someone will cut a finger, bump their head or come down with a fever. Likewise most people would consider their dog as an important, loved member of the family. But what is in the human first aid kit could be of little use when your dog needs help. People medicines can even be deadly.

A portable Canine First Aid Kit is an important tool for all dog owners. And as your dog matures, it becomes essential. A well-stocked and organized box with supplies will be invaluable if your pet needs immediate care and may save you from having to make a trip to the vet. It could even save your dog’s life.

Remember that when giving a dog first aid, they are in pain and do not always understand that you are trying to assist them. Even if your pet has a great temperament and has never bitten anyone, you should put on a muzzle before trying to give first aid.

20 Essentials of a CANINE First Aid Kit

(And common uses for the items.)

1. Rubbing Alcohol (Tick and thorn removal.)

2. Antiseptic Lotion (Clean out cuts or scratches.)

3. Antibacterial Ointment (Prevent infection.)

4. Bandages or Rolled Gauze (Temporarily binding of wounds.)

5. Cotton Swabs (Remove debris from cuts. Antiseptic Application. Ear cleaning.)

6. Elizabethan Collar (Prevent dog from chewing bandages and licking wounds)

7. Non-sticking Adhesive Plaster (Apply to wound to keep dressing in place.)

8. Eye Wash (Wash debris from eyes.)

9. Rectal Thermometer and Petroleum Jelly (Take Temperature*.)

10. Muzzle (Prevent biting when treating the dog.)

11. Kaolin Pectate/Milk of Magnesia (Treat diarrhea.)

12. Top Quality Nail Clippers (Trim nails.)

13. Tweezers with rounded ends (Remove thorns or debris from wounds.)

14. Thermal or Regular Blanket (Maintain body temperature.)

15. Styptic pencil, cotton wool and gauze (Stop blood flow.)

16. Scissors (Trim hair near wounds.)

17. Flashlight (See in ears, throat etc.)

18. Eyedropper (Administer medications.)

19. Strong Packing Tape and pieces of wood or stiff cardboard (For Splints)

20. Towels–Paper and Regular (Stopping blood, drying etc.)

21. Veterinarian’s Phone Number/Emergency Number

It is also a good idea to ask your veterinarian for any recommendations on medications that should be kept on hand for emergencies.

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As a dog owner, you may find yourself needing to give your dog first aid. Whether a car accident has occurred or your dog has collapsed from health related problems, there are some things you could prepare yourself for. Dogs are curious creatures and sometimes get into dangerous situations. When they get into trouble, it will be your job to help.

Nobody expects you to know everything a veterinarian knows. But, don’t sell yourself short. Many of the problems a dog faces are similar to those of our own. Until you can get your dog to a vet, he or she will depend on you. And, sometimes the care you provide along the way will make the difference when you get to your vet. Having the supplies you need on hand will really help you to be effective.

Having the supplies you need on hand will really help you to be effective. Rolls of gauze and tape are handy to slow or stop bleeding. You can also find some great blood-clotting topical products too. Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant. An old clean blanket is essential for wrapping a dog in shock. We frequently give a product called Nutrical to dogs when they appear to have a low blood sugar.

A first aid kit should also include: ammonia water, antibiotic treatment, hydro cortisone ointment, eyewash, and antihistamine. Also, absorbent cotton, gauze rolls or pads, scissors (preferably with rounded tips), tweezers, a rectal thermometer; syringes (without the needle) for giving oral medications, elastic bandages, an enema bag, soap, and a plastic bowl for preparing dilutions.

Take some time to read those books you have in your doggie library. They will help you get familiar with first aid procedures for your dog. But, don’t delay taking your dog to the vet when needed. Keep your vet’s phone number handy in case you need him. If you think your dog may need professional care in the middle of the night or on a weekend, consider calling your vet and advising him. He may have some good advice or instructions to help you reach him.

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