First Aid: Be Prepared
The goals of this First Aid Web Guide are twofold: to help you prepare for emergencies by having access to necessary first aid supplies and information, and to teach you where to go on the Web for advice on handling less serious first aid situations as they arise.
Expand All Guide SectionsEmergency Preparedness
Sometimes it takes a crisis to realize the value of emergency preparedness. These sites provide general advice and first aid kit supply checklists to keep you alert and equipped to handle unexpected situations.
Insights for Emergency Preparedness
- According to Ready.gov, the U.S. government site dedicated to emergency preparedness, first aid kits are a key component of preparedness and can make a difference in an emergency.
- First aid reference books that may be helpful include "The American Red Cross First Aid and Safety Handbook" and "Pet First Aid: Cats and Dogs" by the Red Cross.
- Though first aid can help in an emergency, it’s really a way to start treatment before the first responders, such as police and paramedics, arrive. See the “Emergency Phone Numbers” section for more information.
Top Sites for Emergency Preparedness
For general advice on first aid preparedness …
American College of Emergency Physicians
provides a basic guide to acting in an emergency. Find advice on preventing medical emergencies, preparing for them, assessing them and responding appropriately.
National Ag Safety Database
has an overview of first aid basics, covering specific emergency situations such as burns, shock, bleeding, spinal injuries and choking.
For making a first aid kit …
Ready.gov
describes the ideal first aid kit to keep around, listing items you should have, items it may be good to have and helpful nonprescription drugs.
American Red Cross
offers suggestions on a first aid kit for a family of four, so you may have to tweak it to accommodate your specific needs.
eHow.com
has instructions for making an outdoor first aid kit, broken into nine easy steps, with tips and warnings.
MountainZone.com
has an article that describes what should be in an outdoor first aid kit, if you’d prefer to assemble one yourself. The author also recommends commercially packaged kits at the end of the article.
For buying a first aid kit …
American Red Cross
has an online store where you can purchase a variety of first aid kits.
CPR Savers & First Aid Supply
is an online store for everything you might need to tackle a first aid emergency. With an inventory that includes first aid kits, defibrillators, tools for teaching first aid and CPR, and more, this Web site offers a wide range of products and often has bulk discounts.
Adventure Medical Kits
sells first aid kits and guides for outdoor activities.
For first aid in work settings …
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) offers a guide called "Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program." Download the PDF guide for valuable suggestions on how to assess risks, be prepared and more.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Although it's preferable to have an emergency contact list available in advance of any emergency, it’s always possible to be caught off guard. The sites in this section list important emergency phone numbers you’ll want to have handy during first aid emergencies.
Insights for Emergency Phone Numbers
- According to the American Red Cross, your list should include emergency numbers for the fire and police departments, as well as the ambulance.
- Rady Children’s Hospital also recommends having the closest emergency room on the list, along with parents’ work and cell phone numbers, and the kids’ school names and numbers. Also list relatives, close friends and neighbors on your emergency list.
- Teach kids when it is and isn't appropriate to dial 911. 9-1-1 for Kids is a good resource for teaching kids about 911.
Top Sites for Emergency Phone Numbers
KidsHealth
recommends national phone numbers for some emergency services and suggests other important local numbers to look up.
National Emergency Number Association
(NENA) provides lots of information on 911, including advice on enhanced 911, non-English speaking callers and more.
American Association of Poison Control Centers
provides a toll-free national number and has a map to find your local poison control center.
Dispatch Magazine
has a list of emergency numbers equivalent to 911 for different countries around the world. Below the image of the globe you’ll find emergency number updates and news, as well as links to emergency directories.
USACOPS
offers a list of local police agencies by state, county and city. Although these stations’ phone numbers are not emergency hotlines, they might prove helpful in a less urgent situation.
First Aid Treatments
The first step in an emergency is to call 911 for assistance. For minor first aid treatments, such as burns, cuts, blisters and stings, the Web hosts a large body of quality self-care information.
Insights for First Aid Treatments
- Most conditions found on the following sites have sections on self care that describe the steps you can take to help a patient on your own.
Top Sites for First Aid Treatments
For specific first aid treatments …
eMedicineHealth
compiles hundreds of different first aid emergencies and solutions for nearly every problem. Use the search bar, browse the topics alphabetically or explore the 80-plus information centers.
Mayo Clinic
includes information for dealing with several first aid emergencies. Each item links to a simple and concise list of steps to take for the specific condition.
MedicineNet.com
features articles on general first aid procedures, specific conditions, diseases, news and more, all from the perspective of doctors.
American Academy of Family Physicians
provides first aid advice, including instructions, background information, prevention methods, when to see a doctor and even diagrams.
For children’s first aid treatments …
KidsHealth
gives parents advice for caring for their children around the house and away from home, and offers information on what to do in an emergency.
Rady Children’s Hospital
outlines the different options you have if a child is ill or hurt, from treating the matter at home to going to the emergency room. Look for tips on how to recognize a medical emergency that requires a trip to the ER.
Who knew?
WebMD
has specific treatment pages for a wide variety of issues, including this page on treating blue-ringed octopus bites.
CPR and First Aid Classes
The best way to ensure you’re properly trained to handle a medical emergency is through formal training and the completion of a professional course. Use this section to find CPR and first aid classes that fit your needs.
Insights for CPR and First Aid Classes
- For jobs that require first aid certification, you'll likely need to get certified through an accredited organization. American Red Cross certification programs are the most widely accepted among employers. Local emergency organizations, like your town’s fire department, might also offer training courses.
- If you’re interested in becoming an emergency medical technician, check with your local community college or university. Your state’s Office of Emergency Medical Services will have a Web site, similar to this one in Massachusetts, where you can learn more about EMT certification and training programs.
Top Sites for CPR and First Aid Classes
For local CPR and first aid courses …
American Red Cross
is the leading provider for rescue and first aid certification in the United States. Enter your zip code in the search field on the right of the homepage to find your local chapter Web site; chapter Web sites list nearby courses and class schedules.
American Heart Association
features a search tool to find CPR and first aid courses by zip code or state. Search results provide you with training center locations, and Web sites and phone numbers for sign up.
American Lifeguard Association
is one of the nation’s largest health and safety organizations, and offers courses developed by the American Red Cross focused on lifeguarding and water safety. Find information on the courses offered (including general CPR and first aid) and register online.
Medic First Aid
provides emergency care training programs to businesses and industries all over the world. Make your workplace OSHA-compliant through these courses. Also find information on becoming a Medic First Aid instructor.
To learn about the Heimlich Maneuver …
The Heimlich Institute
has instructions on performing the maneuver on an adult, a child, yourself and pets.
For online CPR and first aid courses …
OnlineAHA.org
is sponsored by the American Heart Association and sells and distributes AHA courses over the Internet. To be fully certified, you will still need to schedule an appointment with an American Heart Association instructor to demonstrate your skills and training in person.
For pet first aid …
American Red Cross
has courses in which you can learn to give first aid to your pet. This article provides tips on disaster preparedness with pets. Search for pet first aid courses by zip code; you'll be directed to your local chapter and from there can search for a list of courses offered.
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