Help is slow to arrive: the basics, in your hands.
In a rural house, in a storm or in a major emergency, medical help can take a while. Being prepared means knowing the basics, having a good first aid kit and knowing when to ask for help without waiting.
What to do, and when
What decides how long you can hold out
What people ask most
What is the PAS sequence?
Protect (make sure no one else is in danger), Alert (call 112 and say where you are and what has happened) and Help (look after the person with whatever you know how to do).
What should my first aid kit contain?
Gauze, bandages, tape, plasters, saline, antiseptic, gloves, scissors, tweezers, a thermometer, a thermal blanket and the family's usual medication.
Where can I do a first aid course?
The Red Cross, many councils and other organisations offer basic and CPR courses, often just a few hours long.
Guides to help you prepare
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