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Some people have a fear of blood, especially small children who may not understand what is happening, and then there are some folks who just cannot handle the sight of blood. A trick that has served me well that has actually been handed down to me from my nursery school is to use a dark colored wash cloth or hand towel. Whether the color of that towel is red, dark green, or navy blue, in using a colored towel to help absorb blood, a child's fears are calmed because they do not see a white towel turning red, they see a colored towel. This allows for you to see the amount of blood lost, in the towel changing colors mildly by absorbing blood, and it shields the color from anyone who may have problem in seeing blood!
A while ago my baby cousin, tripped and fell and hit her mouth on the corner of the coffee table in my parents living room, she was crying and visibly upset. We all examined her to make sure there was no bleeding or cracked teeth. Once we knew she was ok in those respects we were then concerned about swelling. In dealing with swelling you can get a popsicle, or creamsicle and let the child eat as little or as much of one of those items as they want or until mom or dad feels is appropriate. It gives the baby something sweet and soothing at the same time as it is keeping their mouth cool to reduce swelling. It's amazing how fast she stopped crying! If you would like your child to stick to something healthier, you can try a frozen banana, but try to stay away from frozen grapes, as we do not want to give the child what could turn out to be a choking hazard!
We have all used hand sanitizer ... but how many of us truly use it so that it is effective? First; you need to make sure that your hands are free of anything that is visible, like dirt. Second; apply a palm-full of sanitizer and rub the product in to the skin vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds, as if you are washing your hands. Third; you need to make sure to evenly distribute the product over the area you are sanitizing, (between your fingers, under your nails, under jewelry, on your wrists and on the backs of your hands). And Fourth; let the sanitizer dry.
Also, you should never rinse your hands or wipe them off after using sanitizer -- this counteracts the whole purpose of using the sanitizer.
A little while ago I was at a family friendly amusement park and while on one of the tamer rides I was sitting next to a very nice and chatty family. I noticed that the youngest member of the family, a little girl who couldn't have been more than 2 or three years old, had a name and number written in big letters on her arm. I was intrigued and asked if the mom had written her daughters name on her arm in case she was lost. The mother said no it's actually my name and number, that way if someone sees her and tries to call the name written on her she won't go to them, but if she gets lost whomever calls the number can ask for me and I can verify that she is my daughter. What a great idea for crowded areas like amusement parks! There are special markers, and crayons that are especially for body art purposes. Please don't use markers that aren't meant for skin.
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association it is estimated that 63% of American households have a pet, which means many of us need to prepare our pets in case of emergency. Preparing pets can be as simple as making sure there is enough food and water for your pet to the more difficult task of making sure you have copies of all appropriate documents (i.e. licenses, vaccinations) and medications.
When building your emergency kit make sure that you have comfort items for yourself and your kids. During a disaster you will be under a lot of stress and want a piece of chocolate, or to read your favorite book, or even have a drink! And your children may want to play there favorite board game and drink from the sippy cup they grew out of ... And that's ok, we are human beings and under stress, which we will inevitably feel in a disaster, having simple items that make you feel better is ok. So don't forget to put some toys and books, and chocolate, or what ever you consider is your comfort food into your kit.
In a disaster, though we remind you to have emergency sources of food, you actually want to start eating the food you already have in your house. Starting with the food you have in the refrigerator because it will stay cool for the least amount of time, then you move to the food in your freezer because it can sustain food longer then the refrigerator and then you want to start eating the food in your pantry because it doesn't depend on the cold to stay fresh. Once you have gone threw the food you have in your house then you can move on to the emergency food you have saved. with the food.
Have you ever wondered what you could do with all of that plastic cutlery you have from take out restaurants? Well, here's the answer you've been waiting for; Put it in your emergency kit! You'll need to eat in an emergency and you'll have a limited supply of water so washing your dishes is probably out of the question, if for no other reason then to conserve your emergency water supply. So take all of those extra cutlery packs and put them in your kit!
Now that you have packed your plastic cutlery into your kit, now it's time to make use of your chopsticks! In a pinch, so to speak, chopsticks will make great finger splints: simply place the chopstick along side the injured finger to measure how long the chopsticks should be; mark the chopsticks where you should break/cut them (in a safe manner so as not to get splinters); break the chopsticks where you have marked them; put one on each side of the injured finger and tape them down; and last but not least tape the injured finger to one of the fingers next to it (it's called buddy taping) this will allow a little more support and help you so you won't bend the injured finger.
Bed Sheets are a great addition to any emergency kit; whether they are brand new, or they are the set you're getting rid of; don't throw them away, put them in your kit! Starting with the plastic case they come in - the plastic case will make a great bag for your emergency first aid kit. The cardboard that comes inside the sheets to help give the plastic case a shape will make a wonderful wrist splint (to learn how to make a splint contact The Center and schedule a first aid course). And the sheets have a number of uses; you can hang them up for shelter, privacy or even use them as clothing, you can cut them into bandages, you can use the flat sheet to help carry a person unable to walk, or you can use them for warmth!
