“First Aid, Not Last Rites: Patch It Before You Panic”
This Week’s Lesson:
You can’t call 911 when the network is down. Having a proper first aid kit — and knowing how to use it — could mean the difference between walking it off and getting carried out.
Survival Tip:
Your kit should include:
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Pain relief (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
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Gloves, and CPR shield,
Pro Tip: Your first aid kit isn’t “done” just because it zips. Keep it current and customized to your household’s needs (meds, asthma inhalers, EpiPens, etc.).
🩹 First Aid Cheat Sheet for Emergencies
🚨 Trauma Wounds (Severe Bleeding)
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Apply direct pressure with clean cloth/gauze.
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Elevate above heart level if possible.
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Pack wound with hemostatic gauze or clean cloth if bleeding continues.
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Tourniquet if bleeding is life-threatening and cannot be controlled otherwise. Write time applied.
🔥 Burns
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Cool immediately with clean, cool water (not ice).
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Cover with sterile, non-stick dressing.
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Do NOT pop blisters.
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Seek help for burns on face, hands, feet, genitals, or large areas.
🩹 Minor Cuts, Scrapes & Wounds
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Clean with clean water (boiled or treated if in the field).
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Remove debris with tweezers if safe.
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Apply antiseptic (iodine, alcohol wipes, or clean honey if nothing else).
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Cover with sterile bandage; change daily.
🫁 Breathing & Airway
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Check airway; clear obstructions.
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Rescue breaths if not breathing (2 breaths every 30 compressions in CPR).
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Position unconscious person on their side to prevent choking.
🧊 Shock
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Lay person down and elevate legs.
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Keep warm with blanket/jacket.
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Do not give food or drink if unconscious.
🐍 Snake or Insect Bites
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Stay calm; keep limb immobilized.
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Do NOT cut, suck, or use ice.
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Apply light bandage above bite (not a tourniquet).
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Get medical help ASAP.
🐾 Pet First Aid Cheat Sheet
🩸 Trauma / Bleeding
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Apply pressure with gauze/cloth.
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Wrap snugly, but not so tight circulation is cut off.
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Use styptic powder (or cornstarch) on minor cuts like nail bleeds.
🐶 Burns
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Cool with water (not ice).
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Cover with clean cloth.
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Prevent licking with a cone or wrap.
🐕 Cuts & Wounds
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Flush with clean water or pet-safe antiseptic.
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Remove debris carefully with tweezers.
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Bandage if possible, but prevent chewing/licking.
🐍 Snake or Insect Bites
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Keep pet calm & limit movement.
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Do NOT apply ice or cut wound.
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Transport to vet immediately.
🤢 Poisoning
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Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by vet/poison hotline.
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Bring packaging of toxin if possible.
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Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435.
Challenge of the Week:
Open your first aid kit and go through every item. Toss anything expired, crushed, or questionable. Add a first aid checklist to your bag. And if you don’t have a tourniquet — fix that.
Next Friday:
“Don’t Be Left in the Dark: How to Light the Way When the Power Ghosts You”
We’ll show you how to build a blackout-proof lighting setup that won’t leave you fumbling for candles in the junk drawer.