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First Aid Courses

After a major disaster, immediate medical assistance might not be available. You might have to treat family members, neighbors, or co-workers. Take time to learn first aid, CPR, and AED (Automated External Defibrillation). Courses for adults and children are available through local chapters of the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, Community Emergency Response Training (CERT), hospitals and community centers.

Prepare first aid kits for your home, work place, and each car.

First Aid Kits

Assemble and store an emergency first aid kit that includes:

• 4x4 sterile gauze dressings (individually wrapped)
• Adhesive tape
• Antibiotic salve
• Antiseptic wipes
• Aspirin or acetaminophen
• Bandages
• Blunt-tipped scissors
• Butterfly bandages
• Cold compress
• Disinfectant solution
• Dust masks
• Elastic bandages
• Emergency (foil) blanket
• Eye cup or small plastic cup to wash out eyes
• First aid book
• High-absorbency pads
• Latex gloves
• Liquid soap
• Magnifying glass to see splinters
• Non allergic adhesive tape
• Prescription drugs
• Roller bandages
• Safety pins
• Saline for eye irrigation
• Small paper cups
• Thermometer
• Tissues
• Triangular bandages
• Tweezers

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

American Heart Association
CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3011764

Centers for Disease Control
Emergency Supplies
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/supplies.asp

Homeland Security
Emergency Supply List
http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/checklist.pdf

Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management
Update Emergency Supplies
http://lacoa.org/PDF/02-06_Update-Emergency-Supplies.pdf