{Guest Post} What Parents Need To Know In Case Of An Emergency

You're a parent. That means you play many roles: first responder, safety instructor, cook, and psychologist, to name a few. Here are some tips help you do your job more effectively.

Medical/Health Emergencies

While it’s not necessary to undergo emergency medical technician training, there are important skills with which parents should be familiar.

• Burns: Cold water and sterile gauze is sufficient for minor burns. Do not touch blisters or apply anything. Until your child sees a doctor, cover the area with cloth or gauze. Serious burns require a call to 911. Do not remove any clothing or immerse the burn in water; place a moist, sterile covering on it.

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• CPR: It’s easy to learn, and classes are available in most locations. Those who know CPR can save the life of anyone who has stopped breathing.
• Head Injuries: Bumps and falls are part of a child’s life. However, if your youngster loses consciousness, experiences a headache, dizziness, or frequent vomiting, has uneven pupils, can’t be awakened, or bleeds or discharges fluid from ears, nose, or mouth, call 911 or your doctor immediately. Even if you’re in doubt, get medical help.
• Wounds: If a cut doesn’t stop bleeding by itself, use a clean cloth or bandage to apply continuous pressure for 20-30 minutes. Wash the wound with clear water without soap and remove any dirt with sterilized tweezers. Next, apply a topical antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. If the wound is more than 1/4” deep or gaping, stitches may be required. Ask the doctor if a tetanus shot is indicated.
• Harmful Substances: These include not only poisons but medications and even nutritional supplements. If your child has ingested he or she should not have, call 911, Poison Control, or your doctor immediately and follow all instructions. Be sure to take the substance’s container with you to the emergency room.

Develop a Fire Escape Plan

Preparation is key. Call a family meeting. Everyone needs to become familiar with two ways from each room. All windows must be easy to open, have removable screens, and be equipped with bars that can be effortlessly opened by children from the inside. Make sure the kids know not to hide from firefighters. Designate a safe place outside the home to meet, and practice your escape plan twice a year.
• If the smoke alarm sounds, don’t try to discover the reason. As seconds count, make sure everyone knows to leave the house immediately.
• If there is smoke, and you must go that way, crawl along the floor.
• Open a door slowly; if there is smoke or fire on the other side, close it quickly and use the room’s other exit. Similarly, if the door is hot, don’t open it.
• If you can’t reach anyone needing assistance, go outside, call 911 or the fire department, and tell the operator where they are.
• To extinguish fire on clothing, stop, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll back and forth until the flames go out. If that's not possible, use a blanket or towel.
• If anyone in the household has special needs, he or she should live or sleep near an exit. Make sure all doorways are big enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker. Tell the fire department in advance about any disabled family members.

Prepare for Natural Emergencies

The time to plan is well before these events happen. Batteries, working flashlights, battery-operated radios, and candles are standard equipment.
Even though you probably won’t need it that long, plan on having enough food to last two weeks. It isn’t necessary to buy everything new. Canned food, pasta, rice, and dry mixes already in your pantry will do quite well. Include choices that your family enjoys, and concentrate on food which is high in nutrition and calories and doesn't need cooking or refrigeration. Remember to stock up on bottled water.

Practice Gun Safety

Half of all American households have a gun, so it’s important that people learn their safe use. Even if you don’t have one, chances are your youngsters will find themselves in a household which does.
Gun safety courses are offered by the various organizations. The Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program, run by the NRA, teaches children in kindergarten through grade 3 what to do if they find a gun. Classes are also available for older children, teens, and adults. From easy-to-use .22 caliber pistols to weapons utilizing 9mm ammo, there are methods of safe handling of firearms.
Being a parent is full of crises large and small. With a little advance knowledge, the years in which you raise your children can be happy, fulfilling ones.


About Author
Lee Flynn is from the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, UT. After Lee spent years preparing himself, his home and his family, he decided he had to do more. In his free time, Lee helps educate those who want to do the same. Through small local workshops and articles, Lee trains and teaches others on home preparation, food storage techniques, wilderness survival and self reliance. After obtaining a bachelors degree from the University of Utah, Lee moved to the Salt Lake Valley where he now lives with his wife and daughter.