In our journey towards self-sufficiency, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the importance of basic first aid knowledge. Whether you’re dealing with minor injuries or facing a situation where professional medical help is not immediately available, being prepared can make all the difference. 

This week, we will delve into why understanding first aid is essential, how you can learn these skills, and what steps to take during an emergency when calling 911 isn’t an option. We’ll also provide a shopping list to ensure your first aid kit is well-stocked, including optional items for those with specific medical needs.

The Importance of First Aid Knowledge

Accidents and emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Having basic first aid knowledge equips you with the skills to respond effectively, potentially saving lives and preventing minor injuries from becoming severe. 

Here are some reasons why first aid knowledge is indispensable:

1. Immediate Response: In an emergency, the first few minutes are critical. Knowing how to administer first aid can stabilize a situation until professional help arrives or until you can transport the injured person to a medical facility.
2. Prevention of Complications: Proper first aid can prevent minor injuries from worsening. For example, cleaning and bandaging a wound can prevent infection, and applying a splint can prevent further damage to a broken limb.
3. Confidence in Emergencies: Knowing what to do in an emergency reduces panic and allows for clear, decisive action. This confidence can be the difference between chaos and control in a stressful situation.
4. Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency: Being able to handle medical emergencies yourself reduces dependency on external help, which is crucial in self-sufficiency and preparedness scenarios.

How and Where to Learn Basic First Aid

There are several ways to learn basic first aid, each catering to different learning preferences and needs:

First Aid/CPR Classes 

The best way to learn first aid is through certified classes. Organizations like the Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and local community centers offer courses that cover a wide range of first aid techniques, including CPR, wound care, and dealing with fractures. These courses often include hands-on practice, which is invaluable for gaining confidence.

Check the Red Cross or American Heart Association websites for class schedules to find a class. Many local hospitals, fire departments, and community centers also offer first aid and CPR training. Online resources can help locate nearby classes.

Online Courses and Tutorials

While there is no substitute for in-person training, online courses provide a flexible alternative for those who cannot attend in-person classes. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and even YouTube offer comprehensive first-aid tutorials. While these may not provide certification, they can still be highly educational.

Use discernment, however. Make sure the person teaching the material is reputable and highly trained. Look for courses with high ratings and reviews, and ensure they cover the basics of first aid, including CPR, wound care, and emergency response.

First Aid Manuals and Guides 

Books and manuals can be excellent resources for learning and reference. The Red Cross offers comprehensive first aid manuals, and many other books cover basic to advanced first aid techniques.

Suggested Reading: “The American Red Cross First Aid and Safety Handbook” and “The Survival Medicine Handbook” by Joseph Alton are excellent resources.

Handling Emergency Situations Without 911

In an SHTF scenario, you might find yourself in a situation where calling 911 isn’t an option. Here’s how to handle such emergencies:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation: Your first step is to remain calm and evaluate the situation. Determine the severity of the injury and decide if you can handle it with your first aid knowledge and supplies.
2. Provide Immediate Care: Depending on the injury, administer the necessary first aid. For example:
   • For Bleeding: Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth, elevate the injured area if possible, and use a tourniquet if the bleeding is severe and uncontrollable.
   • For Fractures: Immobilize the injured limb with a splint and avoid moving the person unnecessarily.
   • For Burns: Cool the burn with running water for at least 10 minutes, cover it with a sterile dressing, and avoid applying ice or ointments directly.
3. Monitor the Injured Person: Keep a close eye on the person’s condition. Look for signs of shock, such as pale skin, rapid heartbeat, and shallow breathing. Keep them warm and comfortable.
4. Seek Alternative Medical Help: Consider contacting community resources if professional help is unavailable. Neighbors, local shelters, or community centers might have medical personnel who can assist.

The Importance of Medicinal Herbs

I’m an herbalist, so you knew this was coming. In addition to conventional first aid supplies, knowing how to use medicinal herbs can greatly enhance your ability to care for injuries and ailments naturally. As an herbalist, you understand the powerful benefits that herbs can offer in various situations. 

Here’s why incorporating medicinal herbs into your first aid knowledge is important:

1. Natural Healing Properties: Many herbs possess natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. For instance, comfrey can aid in healing wounds and fractures, while calendula is excellent for treating cuts and burns.
2. Accessibility: Herbs can often be found in your garden or local environment, making them readily available even when conventional medicines are not. Learning to identify and use these plants ensures you have a sustainable source of remedies.
3. Holistic Approach: Medicinal herbs allow for a more holistic approach to healing. Herbs like lavender, for example, can calm the mind and reduce stress, which is beneficial in emergency situations.
4. Personal Empowerment: Knowledge of medicinal herbs empowers you to take control of your health using natural resources. This aligns perfectly with the principles of self-sufficiency and preparedness.

Week 6 Shopping List: First Aid Supplies

To ensure you’re prepared, here’s a basic shopping list to help you build your first aid kit. In the following weeks, more items will be provided.

• Aspirin and/or Acetaminophen: For pain relief and reducing fever.
• Compresses: To control bleeding and reduce swelling.
• Rolls of Gauze or Bandages: For dressing wounds and securing splints.
• First Aid Tape: To secure bandages and dressings.
• Adhesive Bandages (Assorted Sizes): For minor cuts and abrasions.
• Cold Packs: To reduce swelling and numb pain.

Optional Items:

• Extra Hearing Aid Batteries: Essential for those who rely on hearing aids.
• Batteries for Medical Equipment: Ensure you have spare batteries for devices like glucose monitors or blood pressure cuffs.

Action Steps for This Week

1. Check Your Child’s Daycare or School for Disaster Plans:
   • How to Do It: Contact the administration and ask about their emergency procedures. Ensure they have a plan for natural disasters, lockdowns, and other emergencies.
   • Why It’s Important: Knowing the school’s plans helps you coordinate your own emergency response and provides peace of mind that your child is safe.
2. Take a First Aid/CPR Class:
   • How to Do It: Sign up for a class through the Red Cross, American Heart Association, or local community centers.
   • Why It’s Important: Hands-on training ensures you can confidently and effectively provide emergency first aid.
3. Purchase a Camp Stove and Fuel to Boil Water:
   • How to Do It: Look for a reliable camp stove and compatible fuel at outdoor supply stores or online. Make sure you practice using it before an emergency occurs.
   • Why It’s Important: In an emergency where clean water is not available, boiling water ensures a safe water supply for drinking and sanitizing.

By taking these steps, you are enhancing your self-sufficiency and ensuring that you are prepared to handle emergencies effectively. First aid knowledge is a vital skill that everyone should possess, and with the right training and supplies, you can confidently care for your family in any situation.

Have you read the previous weeks of this series?

Baby Steps to Build Your Emergency Supply Kit: Week 1

Hazards to Prepare For: Week 2 Baby Steps to Preparedness

The Importance of Water Collection: Baby Steps to Preparedness Week 3

How to Use a Compass for Survival: Baby Steps for Preparedness Week 4​

Personal Hygiene During a Disaster: Baby Steps to Preparedness Week 5