Disaster Tip of The Week:Start or Purchase A First Aid Kit

Keeping a First Aid Kit on hand is important and not just for when there is a major disaster.

It is a good idea to keep one available for everyday use. You never know when you or a family member may suffer a burn, cut, or something more severe. Having the proper first aid supplies on hand and in order will help to keep you calm and better enable you to help an injured person.

You also don't need to purchase anything elaborate but for people who would rather not put a kit together themselves you can easily by one from your local drug store, supermarket, or even online.

If you do decide to purchase one, be sure to check it periodically for expired items and restock your kit as you use items.

According to Ready.gov here are some items that you should make sure you have or add to your First Aid Kit:

• Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
• Burn ointment to prevent infection.
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.

Things it may be good to have:

• Cell Phone
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Non-prescription drugs:

• Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for upset stomach)
• Laxative

You should also consider taking a first aid course from the Red Cross and you can also purchase a pocket guide to first aid such as the one we mentioned and reviewed by Nuru

Review of NURU Emergency First Aid Card Deck, With Giveaway Contest

Recently I was asked if I could review a deck of Emergency First Aid cards that are sold by NURU.

The deck overall is full of useful information that you would need in order to help someone during a medical emergency. I also give my personal thumbs up for a job well done in getting all of the information needed onto just thirty cards, which I am certain was no easy task.

The information is easy to read, well thought out and and covers things like CPR reminders, Heart Attacks, Shock, Monitoring Vital Signs, and Working With EMS. As a former First Responder, the last one is my personal favorite that I wish would be taught in every school.

I must admit, I was a little skeptical at first in how good these cards would be, since stopping to read the cards during an emergency is not really productive. However, the first few cards cover this, and they recommend taking a first aid course, which I also recommend. They also suggest reading the cards while waiting in line, or on the bus and other such places. The cards make a great way to refresh the information, and take quick action.

If you do not have any first aid training these cards would best serve you if you read through them and perhaps refer to them if you must, but if you read through them, you should know enough to handle the situation until first responders arrive.

I recommend these cards to have on hand for reference during emergencies and to read at your leisure. At a cost of only $8.00 they are well worth the money and would make a great gift for someone you care about, or even a co-worker.

From the NURU Website:

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
* 30 ultra-thin cards, each fully illustrated
* Small, metal management ring to keep your cards together
* Unique serial code (to access your deck's content online)

Emergency first aid, now.
* CPR techniques
* Choking/drowning
* Burns and bleeding
* Heart and circulatory problems
* Poisoning
* Electric shock
* How to work with victims, bystanders, and EMS

Simple language. Simple illustrations.
Learn the vital, life-saving techniques you need, regardless of age or educational background. NURU's simple language and illustrations makes learning and retaining this knowledge easy for everyone.

Vital knowledge, NOW.
Because emergencies can happen at any time, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of the 3-5 minute breaks in your day (in the checkout line, on the bus, etc.) and get this knowledge IN YOUR BRAIN.

This item is currently available in NURU FastForm. Each card is printed on rich, full-color card stock, and is $8.00 DELIVERED to your door.

                                                      NOW FOR A CONTEST/GIVEAWAY:

Leave your Comments below and we will pick one person at random from the comments in this post and we will send you a new sealed deck of the NURU Emergency First Aid cards. Be sure to leave a valid email address when posting.

You must have your comments in before midnight 12:00 AM PST March 31, 2009 to be considered.

                                  Big Thank you to NURU for making this contest possible.