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First Aid for Kids

A Parent's Guide to Quick Care for Children

By Margot Poss

, where children can go on a Snappy Safari and learn about safety. It is a terrific tool for parents to use when discussing safety with their children. In addition, there are several sites for kids focused on specific areas of safety. For example, www.sparky.org has fire safety-related activities.

The National Safety Council provides a Family Preparedness Checklist on its Web site at www.nsc.org/issu es/firstaid/familychklist.htm. This is a great way to develop your family emergency plan.

The National Safe Kids Campaign urges parents to keep first aid supplies on hand. Make sure parents and other caregivers know where to find the supplies in your home. It is important to remember to check expiration dates on all medication every couple of months and restock items after you use them.

The National Safety Council provides this list of items for first aid that you should always keep in your home or car: a first aid manual, emergency telephone numbers, list of all allergies/medications for each member of the family, antibiotic ointment, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, syrup of ipecac, bandages and gauze of assorted sizes, roller gauze bandages, CPR barrier device, medical exam gloves, elastic wraps, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, cold packs for icing injuries, thermometer, tweezers and small scissors.

Unfortunately, living free of emergencies is unrealistic, but by educating yourself and your family, you can make a difference between life and death. Brush up on your first aid skills, teach your child basic first aid techniques and improve your odds.

"To prepare for emergencies, parents should know first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation," says Joe Larking of the National Safety Council. "Post emergency numbers near all telephones, your child should know their street address, how to dial 911 and their last name." Take the necessary steps to make your home environment the safest it can be for your children.