Page 11 - Participant Manual

Preparing for Emergencies

By definition, emergencies are unexpected situations that require immediate action. But by expecting the
unexpected and taking general steps to prepare, you can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome should
an emergency situation arise.

By reading this manual and participating in an American Red Cross First
Aid/CPR/AED course, you have taken an important first step in preparing
for emergencies. You will learn the concepts and skills you need to
recognize emergency situations and respond appropriately until advanced
medical personnel arrive and take over. Once you have learned these
concepts and skills, review and practice them regularly so that if you ever
have to use them, you will be well prepared and have the confidence to
respond.

Make sure you have ready access to items that will make it easier to
respond to an emergency, should one occur. Keep a first aid kit in your
home and vehicle (Box 1-1), and know the location of the first aid kit and
automated external defibrillator (AED) in your workplace. Download the
American Red Cross First Aid app to your mobile device so that you always
have a first aid reference at your fingertips.

Box 1-1. First Aid Kits

You can purchase first aid kits and supplies
from the Red Cross store (redcross.org) or
a local store. Whether you buy a first aid kit
or assemble one yourself, make sure it has
all of the items you may need. Check the kit
regularly and replace any used or expired
supplies. The Red Cross recommends
that first aid kits include the following at a
minimum:
■ 2 pairs of latex-free gloves

■ Latex-free adhesive bandages
© 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
(3 of each of the following sizes):
m 1 × 3 inches m Large fingertip
■ 1 elastic bandage (3 inches or 4 inches ×
m ¾ × 3 inches m Knuckle 5 yards)

■ 8 sterile gauze pads (2 × 2 inches) ■ 3 or 4 triangular bandages (40 inches ×
40 inches × 56 inches)
■ 8 sterile gauze pads (4 × 4 inches)
■ 1 36” malleable radiolucent splint
■ 1 roll of adhesive cloth tape (2½ yards ×
3 ⁄8 inch) ■ 1 unit antibiotic ointment, cream or wound gel

■ 4 roller bandages (2 inches or 3 inches × ■ 4 sealable plastic bags (1 quart) or 2 chemical
4 yards) cold packs

■ 4 roller bandages (4 inches × 4 yards) ■ 5 antiseptic wipe packets

(Continued )

Chapter 1 Before Giving Care | 3 | First Aid/C P R / AE D Participant’ s Manual
Chapter 1 Before Giving Care | 3 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual