Photo courtesy American Heart Association

In the wake of recent emergencies and natural disasters such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Great Care heeds the advice of the American Heart Association: Be prepared.

The American Heart Association News reminds us that in times of emergency, assistance from first responders and health professionals is often delayed. Systems are bombarded with requests for help.

“Being prepared and trained gives people the skills and confidence to act in an emergency and potentially save a life,” says the AHA News.

Whether it’s tornadoes, hurricanes, fires or vehicular accidents, emergency situations have improved success rates when the general public is informed and trained to handle crisis.

“A first aid and CPR/AED course is a vital component of disaster preparedness,” the AHA says. “Training increases the likelihood a victim will survive an accident, serious injury or sudden cardiac arrest.”

The American Heart Association’s Heartsaver course offers hands-on or online learning of first aid, CPR and use of an AED, short for automated external defibrillator. It also offers suggestions on how to assemble a first aid kit.

Along with being equipped with training and a first aid kit, making a plan is another key component of disaster preparedness. Great Care CEO and founder Julie Sullivan agrees with the AHA in that planning is crucial. The Great Care staff is well trained in the event of emergencies at the residences of those who require in-home care, especially those involving seniors.

“Develop an emergency plan and know what everyone in the family should do,” the AHA advises.

The American Red Cross recommends the emergency plan:

• Include ways to contact and find each other. Include two places to meet: one near home and one outside the neighborhood in case circumstances prevent people from returning home.

• Identify an emergency contact from outside the area in case local phone lines are overloaded or out of service.

• Include where everyone will go if ordered to evacuate and what route they will take to get there. When discussing evacuation, include several different routes in case roads are closed.

• Consider pets in case of evacuation. Identify pet-friendly hotels and animal shelters along the evacuation route.

• Be practiced twice a year. Drive the planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes in case roads are impassable.

The American Heart Association News has provided pointers from the American Red Cross on assembling emergency kits for either sheltering in place or for fast evacuation. Stock your kit with the following Red Cross recommendations:

• A three-day supply of water—one gallon per person per day
• A three-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered radio
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (seven-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Pet supplies for three days
• Copies of important documents, such as a list of current medications and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies
• Cellphone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map of the area

For more information on how the nation’s latest natural disaster, Hurricane Irma, raises stakes for heart patients click here.

Learn more about getting trained in First Aid and CPR from the American Red Cross here.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non-medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.