2. KEEP A WELL-STOCKED FIRST-AID KIT ON HAND. From minor cuts and bruises to sunburn and sprains, a good first-aid kit is a great first line of defense. To learn what makes a good first-aid kit, contact your health care provider, local pharmacy, or the American Red Cross.
3. MAKE A LIST OF EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS. Write down the numbers you need in the emergency plan in the back of this brochure.
4. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WHO TO CALL AND WHAT TO SAY. Make sure your children know where the phone numbers are for emergency help and poison control. If they call 9-1-1, the operator will ask, "Fire, Police, or Ambulance/Rescue?" Tell your child to stay on the line while the call is transferred. When the appropriate agency picks up, the emergency operator will ask for name, address, telephone number, and details. He or she will want to know what has happened, when it happened, where it happened, and who is involved. Teach your child not to hang up unless told to do so. The emergency operator may be able to offer help over the phone.
5. MAKE SURE YOUR HOUSE NUMBER IS VISIBLE FROM THE STREET. Make it easy for police, fire officials, or emergency medical personnel to find your house. Put large house numbers in a highly visible area. Make sure the numbers are well-lit and can be seen at night. Make sure they can be seen from the street in either direction.
6. KEEP A CLEAR AND UP-TO-DATE RECORD OF IMMUNIZATIONS. This can help doctors do a better job of diagnosing a problem in an emergency. For example, if your child has a bad infection, and the doctor knows your child has been vaccinated against Hepatitis, the doctor can rule that out. This can save time.
7. WRITE DOWN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, MEDICATIONS, AND DOSAGES. The emergency plan in the back of this brochure has space for you to write this information down. Being prepared in advance can help assure proper treatment and prevent serious drug interactions.
8. MAKE A LIST OF ALLERGIES AND REACTIONS. The emergency plan also includes a place to write this information down. It will help ensure that health care professionals don't use medicines that can hurt your child. And, it might help emergency medical personnel find a reason for problems such as seizures or shortness of breath. If any of your children have severe drug allergies or chronic conditions, we recommend they wear Medical I.D. bracelets.
9. IF YOU HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE, CHECK YOUR EMERGENCY COVERAGE. Check your policy in advance. Some insurance companies require that you call first for approval. Make sure you understand your policy, and carry all necessary cards and phone numbers with you.
10. TAKE FIRST-AID CLASSES. A basic class will teach CPR and proper ways to treat burns, wrap sprains, apply splints, and perform the Heimlich maneuver. Remember, if you take time now, you won't lose precious time when your child's life could depend on it. It's a good idea to ask everyone who takes care of your children to take these classes, including babysitters, relatives, and day care providers. Your pediatrician, local hospital, fire department, and local chapter of the Red Cross can tell you about classes.
