What would you do in the event of a major flood, man-made disaster, power outage, toxic spill, or health-related quarantine?  Could you survive on your own for the first 72 hours after a major disaster or emergency? 

The 72 Crew Awareness and Preparedness campaign is dedicated to helping you and your family Be Prepared . . . Not Scared. Click on Get Involved to learn how your community can be 72 Crew Certified.

In any emergency, you or a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. Keep the following basic first aid supplies so you are prepared to help when someone is hurt.

• Two pairs of disposable gloves
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
• Burn ointment
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
• Scissors
• Over-the-counter medicines such as Aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication
• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine, or asthma inhaler
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose monitoring equipment or blood pressure monitors

First Aid Primer
If you encounter someone who is injured, apply the emergency action steps: Check-Call-Care. Check the scene to make sure it is safe for you to approach. Then check the victim for unconsciousness and life-threatening conditions. Someone who has a life-threatening condition, such as not breathing or severe bleeding, requires immediate care by trained responders and may require treatment by medical professionals. Call out for help. There are some steps that you can take, however, to care for someone who is hurt, but whose injuries are not life threatening.

Control Bleeding

• Cover the wound with a dressing, and press firmly against the wound (direct pressure).
• Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart if you do not suspect that the victim has a broken bone.
• Cover the dressing with a roller bandage.
• If the bleeding does not stop:
  • Apply additional dressings and bandages.
  • Use a pressure point to squeeze the artery against the bone.
• Provide care for shock.

Care for Shock

• Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated.
• Elevate the legs about 12 inches (if broken bones are not suspected).
• Do not give food or drink to the victim.

Tend Burns

• Stop the burning by cooling the burn with large amounts of water.
• Cover the burn with dry, clean dressings or cloth.

Care for Injuries to Muscles, Bones and Joints

• Rest the injured part.
• Apply ice or a cold pack to control swelling and reduce pain.
• Avoid any movement or activity that causes pain.
• If you must move the victim because the scene is becoming unsafe, try to immobilize the injured part to keep it from moving.

Be Aware of Biological/Radiological Exposure

• Listen to local radio and television reports for the most accurate information from responsible governmental and medical authorities on what's happening and what actions you will need to take. The Web sites referenced at the end of this brochure can give you more information on how to protect yourself from exposure to biological or radiological hazards.

Reduce Any Care Risks
The risk of getting a disease while giving first aid is extremely rare. However, to reduce the risk even further:

• Avoid direct contact with blood and other body fluids.
• Use protective equipment, such as disposable gloves and breathing barriers.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water immediately after giving care.

It is important to be prepared for an emergency and to know how to give emergency care.