It’s comforting to know that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responders are equipped with proper professional tools and supplies. However, most of us are not equipped beyond a simple first aid kit for day-hike trips or car kits. These usually consist of sterile wipes, adhesive bandages, gauze and possibly a variety of ointments. These are all good supplies but are limited and don’t address the primary rule of first aid response “universal protection”.

“Universal protection” is the approach by responders to employ appropriate barriers to possible transfer of infectious diseases when attending to persons requiring first aid. More folks are becoming aware of this need and have begun to carry disposable gloves as part of their kit. However if none are available, you can use other barriers such as sandwich bags, bread bags or shopping bags as gloves.

There are other ways in which to improvise first aid supplies. Towels, new diapers, or absorptive feminine hygiene items can be used as a compress to suppress external bleeding wounds. Rolled up magazines or newspapers can be used to stabilize possible broken limbs. Bandanas can be used as slings and bindings for stabilization.

“Improvising” is a key element in survival whether for shelter, food, or navigation, but in the initial response to a first aid scenario it can make a huge difference in the victim’s chance for full recovery and in the extreme case for life or death.

I learned the “emergency action plan” for approaching an incident as well as the “ABCs” (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) of CPR. A new category of “D” or Defibrillation has be added when properly trained. Being able to help others, or even yourself, can save life and limb. Knowledge, enables you to properly approach an emergency situation, and when combined with practice, can give you confidence which contributes to clearer thinking and a calming effect in a time of panic or stress.

I would encourage you to attend these classes if you have not done so already. In many cases this will be offered through your employer, especially if you volunteer to be an emergency responder in their safety program at work. These skills will enable you to be better prepared in the case of natural disaster or other injury related situations. This is most certainly another tool that should be added to your survival skills.