Journal First Aid

Panel: Urgent Need to Enhance Preparedness for Domestic Disasters, by Laura Walter United States urgent need to implements changes in the way a) chemical b) biological c) radiological d) nuclear or high-yield explosive (CBRNE) incident.

 Year of deliberations, a number of findings and recommendations that will allow the Department of Defense to better support the civil authorities that will respond to a domestic disaster. It is a national imperative for leaders at all levels to discover and implement solutions to overcome barriers to effective response.

Vision and Safety Experts Offer Best Practices to Prevent Eye Injuries, by Laura Walter
Common causes of eye injuries include: a) Projectiles (dust, concrete, metal, wood and other particles). b) Chemicals (splashes and fumes). c) Radiation (especially visible light, ultraviolet radiation, heat or infrared radiation and lasers). d) Bloodborne pathogens (hepatitis or HIV) from bodily fluids including blood

 The brief offers advice for emergency eye care, including these lists of things to do and things to avoid: Do: Protect the eye from further damage by holding a folded cloth over the eye, having it act as a shield. Seek eye care immediately. Bandage any cuts around the eye to prevent contamination or infection.

 Flush the eye with water in the case of a chemical burn or if there is small debris in the eye. Use a cold compress to treat a blunt trauma injury such as a black eye, but be careful not to apply additional pressure. Dont: Do not remove any objects that are stuck in the eye as this could worsen the injury. Do not wash out the eye when dealing with cuts or punctures to the eye. Do not attempt to self-medicate, apply ointments or take any medications, including over-the-counter drugs.

10 Tips for Staying Festively FluFree, By Laura Walter

Do the air kiss. Wash your hands. Dont use your fingers. Get creative with your cups. Carry hand sanitizer with you. Cough in your sleeve. Attending a religious service. Get enough sleep. Sick, Stay away. Cold or flu.

Disaster Preparedness Lags for Disabled, Those with Chronic Illness, By Sandy Smith
Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate. i. Water 1 gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home). ii. Food nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home). iii. Flashlight.

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ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii.

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible). Extra batteries. First aid kit. Medications (7-day supply) and medical items. Multipurpose tool. Sanitation and personal hygiene items. Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address,. Sanitation and personal hygiene items.

 Suggested items to help meet additional needs are: a. Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane). b. Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers). c. Games and activities for children. d. Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl). e. Two-way radios. f. Extra set of car keys and house keys. g. Manual can opener.